A phase 1 trial tested escalating intravenous doses of the psychedelic DMT (SPL026) in healthy volunteers who had never used psychedelics, to find a safe, tolerable dose for a future trial in people with major depressive disorder. Participants were randomly assigned to placebo or one of four doses (9, 12, 17, or 21.5 mg). The drug was well tolerated with no serious adverse events. Higher blood levels of DMT correlated with stronger ratings of mystical experience, ego dissolution, and intensity, though these trends need confirmation in larger studies. Based on safety and pharmacodynamic results, 21.5 mg given as a two-phase infusion was chosen for the patient trial.
Psychedelic therapy may hold potential for treating personality disorders by promoting adaptive changes in personality, though rigorous research is lacking. This review first examines research on psychedelics in individuals with personality disorders using the DSM-5-TR categorical model, then applies the dimensional DSM-AMPD framework to explore how psychedelics might affect self-functioning, interpersonal functioning, and pathological personality traits. The authors discuss clinical relevance, safety considerations, gaps, and recommendations for treating these complex populations.