The psychedelic drug dimethyltryptamine (DMT) could help treat depression when combined with psychotherapy, The Guardian has reported. 

According to preliminary results reported in Nature Medicine, a trial involving 34 patients found that psychotherapy combined with DMT caused a reduction in depressive symptoms, even after the drug had worn off. 

Patients with moderate to severe treatment-resistant depression received a single 21.5mg dose of DMT, infused into a vein over 10 minutes. Other participants received a placebo infused the same way. All participants had psychotherapy and follow-up assessments. 

According to The Guardian, all patients given DMT saw an improvement in depressive symptoms compared to the placebo group. Patient experience was measured by their scores on a depression questionnaire. 

Dr David Erritzoe, a psychiatrist at Imperial College London and lead investigator on the trial, told the publication: “There is an immediate antidepressant effect that is significantly sustained over a three-month period and that’s exciting because this is one session with a drug, embedded in psychological support.”