Nat Med
April 11, 2022
Richard E. Daws, Christopher Timmermann, Bruna Giribaldi et al.
432 citations
Psilocybin therapy produces rapid and sustained antidepressant effects that correlate with a global increase in brain network integration. In two clinical trials, one open-label in treatment-resistant depression and one double-blind randomized controlled trial comparing psilocybin with escitalopram in major depressive disorder, functional MRI showed that psilocybin reduced brain network modularity, making higher-order functional networks more interconnected and flexible. The antidepressant response to escitalopram was milder, with no changes in brain network organization. These consistent efficacy-related brain changes across both studies suggest that psilocybin's antidepressant mechanism involves global increases in brain network integration.
Nat Med
June 1, 2021
David J. Nutt, Harriet de Wit
6 citations
The text is a brief, playful title that reinterprets the abbreviation MDMA, suggesting a connection to medical doctors (MD) rather than providing substantive content. It does not present a finding, argument, or data.
Nat Med
February 16, 2026
David Erritzøe, Tommaso Barba, Tiffanie Benway et al.
4 citations
A single 21.5-mg intravenous dose of the psychedelic DMT, given with psychotherapeutic support, produced a rapid and significant reduction in depressive symptoms in adults with moderate-to-severe major depressive disorder. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 34 participants, those receiving DMT showed a greater decrease in depression scores at two weeks compared to placebo. Antidepressant effects persisted up to three months in an open-label phase. Adverse events were mostly mild to moderate, and no serious adverse events occurred.
Nat Med
November 1, 2024
Jennifer M. Mitchell, Marcela Ot’alora G, Bessel Van der Kolk et al.
4 citations
No Summary
Nat Med
November 1, 2025
Psychedelic medicine holds promise for treating a range of psychiatric conditions, particularly depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, by inducing profound changes in consciousness and brain function. The article discusses the potential of substances like psilocybin and MDMA to facilitate therapeutic breakthroughs when combined with psychotherapy. It highlights that these treatments may offer lasting benefits after only a few sessions, though challenges remain regarding safety, accessibility, and integration into mainstream clinical practice. The authors suggest that careful research and regulation could unlock significant advances in mental health care.