Recruiting
Phase 2

Psilocybin

Sponsor:

Charles Raison

Code:

NCT06512194

Conditions

Depression

Eligibility Criteria

Sex: All

Age: 18 - 70

Healthy Volunteers: Not accepted

Interventions

Psilocybin

Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation (taVNS)

Sham taVNS

Study Details

Brief summary:

This study will examine the effects of a single dose of psilocybin, administered with psychological support, on symptoms of depression. It will also assess whether different post-dosing interventions, including a non-invasive technique called transcutaneous auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation (taVNS), influence various psychological and behavioral outcomes. In addition, the study will explore objective measures of real-world social behavior and identify early behavioral responses that may be associated with long-term treatment outcomes.

Conditions

Depression

Study ID

NCT06512194

Start date

May 13, 2025

Status verified date

Aug, 2026

Completion date

May, 2029

Anticipated

Primary completion date

May, 2029

Anticipated

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

Sex: All

Age: 18 - 70

Healthy Volunteers: Not accepted

Inclusion Criteria:

Current diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), with a depressive episode lasting ≥ 60 consecutive days at the time of screening, as confirmed by structured clinical interview

Medically healthy, as determined by the screening physician, with no significant medical conditions that would interfere with participation or affect the safety of the subject.

Exclusion Criteria:

History or presence of any psychiatric or medical condition that, in the opinion of the investigator, could pose a safety risk, interfere with participation, or confound study results (e.g., bipolar disorder, psychosis, seizure disorder, or cardiovascular disease).

Known family history of a psychotic disorder (e.g., schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder) in a first-degree relative (biological parent, full sibling, or child).

Current active suicidal ideation with a specific plan within the prior 2 weeks, as assessed via clinical interview and validated instrument (e.g., C-SSRS).

Suicide attempt within the prior 6 months, regardless of intent or lethality.

Current diagnosis of a substance use disorder

Abnormal ECG at screening that may increase risk during participation (e.g., prolonged QTc, arrhythmias, or other clinically significant findings as determined by the study physician).

Unwilling or unable to discontinue prescription psychotropic medications (e.g., antidepressants, antipsychotics, anxiolytics, lithium, anticonvulsants, or mood stabilizers) for the duration of study participation, including any necessary washout period as determined by the investigator.

Any condition, finding, or behavior (including suspected deception or noncompliance) that, in the opinion of the investigator, renders the participant unsuitable for the study or likely to interfere with the integrity of the data or safety of the subject.

Study Design

Enrollment

141 participants

Anticipated

Allocation

Randomized

Intervention Model

Parallel Assignment

Primary purpose

Treatment

Interventions and Outcome Measures

Arms

experimental: Group 1: Psilocybin + taVNS

Participants in this arm will receive a single 25 mg dose of psilocybin, followed by twice-daily sessions of taVNS for 7 consecutive days. Each taVNS session will be paired with music and prompts related to the participant's psilocybin experience.

sham comparator: Group 2: Psilocybin + Sham taVNS

Participants in this arm will receive a single 25 mg dose of psilocybin, followed by twice-daily sham taVNS sessions for 7 consecutive days. Each sham session will be paired with music and prompts related to the participant's psilocybin experience.

active comparator: Group 3: Psilocybin + No taVNS

Participants in this arm will receive a single 25 mg dose of psilocybin, followed by no additional intervention. They will receive the standard psychological support related to their psilocybin experience, but no taVNS or sham device will be used.

Interventions

Psilocybin

The psilocybin used in this study is synthesized under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines and is provided in a capsule containing 25 mg of synthetic psilocybin.

Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation (taVNS)

Participants will be provided with a taVNS device and trained on its use. The device delivers gentle stimulation to the left ear.

Sham taVNS

Participants will be provided with a taVNS device and trained on its use. The device delivers gentle stimulation to the left ear. In the sham condition, the device will simulate the sensations of active taVNS without delivering therapeutic stimulation.

Primary outcome measure

  • Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) score [ Time Frame: Baseline 2, Week 8 Post-Psilocybin Dosing ]
  • PROMIS Ability to Participate in Social Roles and Activities - Short Form 8a [ Time Frame: Baseline 2, Week 8 Post-Dose ]
  • Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire Short-Form (Q-LES-Q) score [ Time Frame: Baseline 2, Week 8 Post-Dose ]

Central Contacts and Locations

Central contacts

Locations

Vail Health Behavioral Health

Recruiting

Edwards, Colorado, United States, 81632

Contacts

More Information

Sponsor

Charles Raison

Last update posted

Aug 10, 2026

Last verified

Aug, 2026

Keywords

  • depression
  • psilocybin
  • psychedelics
  • transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation
  • depressive symptoms
  • well-being
  • adverse events
  • ecological momentary assessment
  • electronically activated recorder
  • dynamical complexity assessment

Trial information was received from ClinicalTrials.gov and was last updated on 2026-09-10. This information was provided to ClinicalTrials.gov by Charles Raison on 2026-08-10.