Pilot Data on Salivary Oxytocin as a Biomarker of LSD Response in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder
L. Cazorla, S. Alaux, C. Amberger, C. Mabilais, L. Furtado, A. Buchard, G. Thorens, Louise Penzenstadler, Daniele Zullino, T. Aboulafia Brakha
Psychoactives August 1, 2025 DOI: 10.3390/psychoactives4030026 via Semantic Scholar
Summary
Salivary oxytocin levels changed significantly over time during a single LSD-assisted psychotherapy session in people with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder. Perceived psychedelic intensity also varied significantly. These findings suggest oxytocin may serve as a biomarker for the therapy's effects. The study was a small observational pilot; larger controlled trials are needed to confirm the results and clarify how oxytocin dynamics relate to changes in depressive symptoms and mental flexibility.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Observational pilot study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Patients with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder |
| Keywords | Psychology Medicine |
| Key finding | Salivary oxytocin levels varied significantly over time during a single LSD-assisted psychotherapy session in patients with treatment-resistant MDD. |
Abstract
Despite growing evidence supporting the efficacy of LSD-assisted psychotherapy in treating major depressive disorder (MDD), identifying reliable psychopharmacological biomarkers remains necessary. Oxytocin, a neuropeptide implicated in social bonding and flexibility, is a promising candidate due to its release following serotonergic psychedelic administration in healthy individuals; however, its dynamics in psychiatric populations are currently unexplored. This observational pilot study aimed to characterize salivary oxytocin dynamics during a single LSD-assisted psychotherapy session in our patients with treatment-resistant MDD. Participants received 100 or 150 µg LSD, and salivary oxytocin was measured at baseline, 60, 90, and 180 min post-LSD. Concurrently, participants rated subjective drug intensity (0–10 scale) at 60, 90, and 180 min. A linear mixed model revealed significant variation of oxytocin levels over time. Perceived psychedelic intensity also significantly varied over time. This supports oxytocin as a potential biomarker. Larger, controlled trials are warranted to replicate these findings and clarify the mechanistic links between oxytocin dynamics and clinical outcomes, including changes in depressive symptoms and mental flexibility.