Psilocybin vs Escitalopram for Major Depressive Disorder: Comparative Mechanisms

Psilocybin vs Escitalopram for Major Depressive Disorder: Comparative Mechanisms

This is a randomised double-blind clinical trial. The aim is to compare the efficacy and mechanisms of action of psilocybin, the primary psychoactive substance in 'magic mushrooms', with the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) escitalopram for major depressive disorder (MDD).

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Major depressive disorder (DSM-IV)
2. Depression of moderate to severe degree (17+ on the 17-item Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM-D)).
3. No Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) contraindications
4. No SSRI contraindications
5. Has a general practitioner (GP) or other mental healthcare professional who can confirm diagnosis
6. 18-80 years of age
7. Males and females
8. Sufficiently competent with English language

Key exclusion criteria:

1. Current or previously diagnosed psychotic disorder
2. Immediate family member with a diagnosed psychotic disorder
3. Medically significant condition rendering unsuitability for the study (e.g., diabetes, epilepsy, severe cardiovascular disease, hepatic or renal failure e.g. creatine clearance:renal clearance (CLRC) < 30 ml/min etc.)
4. History of serious suicide attempts requiring hospitalisation.
5. Significant history of mania (determined by study psychiatrist and medical records)
6. Psychiatric condition judged to be incompatible with establishment of rapport with therapy team and/or safe exposure to psilocybin, e.g. borderline personality disorder
7. Blood or needle phobia
8. Positive pregnancy test at screening or during the study, women who are planning a pregnancy and/or women who are nursing/breastfeeding.
9. Participants who do not agree to use an acceptable contraceptive method throughout their participation in study.
10. Current drug or alcohol dependence
11. No email access
12. Use of contraindicated medication
13. Patients presenting with abnormal QT interval prolongation at screening or with a history of this (QTc at screening above 440ms for men and above 470ms for women)