Testing DMT with propofol in people with major depression
Tests whether DMT's antidepressant effect comes from biology or the psychedelic experience.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Antidepressant Response of DMT Masked With Propofol
Key facts
- Where
- Basel, SwitzerlandSee the site
Where in Switzerland
- University Hospital BaselBasel, SwitzerlandTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
- Trial code
- NCT06927076
- Record updated
- 2 April 2026
- Original description
The aim of this study is to elucidate if the anti-depressive effect of N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is based on a biological mechanisms including neuroplasticity and anti-inflammatory effect or due to the subjective psychedelic experience.Read full original descriptionShow less
Investigating the Role of the Psychedelic Experience in the Antidepressant Response in Patients With Major Depression: a Placebo-controlled Factorial Trial With DMT Masked With Propofol (DMT4D-Study)
The aim of this study is to elucidate if the anti-depressive effect of N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is based on a biological mechanisms including neuroplasticity and anti-inflammatory effect or due to the subjective psychedelic experience.
Inclusion: Participants must meet DSM-5 criteria for MDD of at least moderate severity (MADRS≥20); Participants either currently do not use antidepressants or are treated with a stable dose for at least 4 weeks prior to randomization; Age ≥ 21 years old; Sufficient understanding of the German language; Able to understand the study procedures and risks and willing to adhere to the protocol and sign the consent form; Willing not to drive or operate heavy machinery on the treatment day; Willing to refrain from more than 7 standard alcoholic drinks a week, more than 10 cigarettes a day, more than 2 cups of coffee a day, and any illicit substances during study participation; Willing to use effective contraceptive measures throughout study participation.
Exclusion: Patients who are treated with neuroleptics or known antagonists of 5-HT2 receptors or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) and are not able/willing to pause; Past or present bipolar or psychotic disorder, including depressive disorder with psychotic features; First-degree relative with a psychotic or bipolar disorder; Psychiatric condition judged to be incompatible with establishment of rapport with study team members and/or safe exposure to DMT, e.g. diagnosed or suspected borderline personality disorder; Current post-traumatic stress disorder or acute stress reaction due to a traumatic event; Current or recent history of significant suicide ideation or suicide behavior within the past 6 months; Current severe substance use disorder other than nicotine; Significant prodromal psychotic symptoms (Prodromal Questionnaire-16 symptoms ≥ 6); Post-partum depression; Pregnant or breastfeeding women; Planned ketamine, other psychedelic, or electroconvulsive treatment or any such treatment within the past 3 months; Any lifetime use of DMT, use of any other psychedelics within last 3 month or lifetime use of any other psychedelics more than 15 times; Increased risk for adverse reactions to propofol or soja products; Increased risk for aspiration; Increased risk for difficult mask ventilation.