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.
In a pilot study of LSD-assisted psychotherapy for patients with resistant anxiety or depression, six of ten planned participants completed the protocol. Salivary oxytocin was measured before and after LSD intake; those analyses are pending. Self-perceived intensity of drug effects peaked at 180 minutes and showed a significant relationship with the intensity of mystical experience reported on the MEQ-30. Depression and anxiety symptom scores will be analyzed after treatment. The authors conclude that preliminary data show a clear effect of perceived treatment intensity and its link to mystical experience, and that including oxytocin data will be valuable.