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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Science
Ian Sample Science editor

Single dose of potent psychedelic drug could help treat depression, trial shows

Glass containing red liquid in glass with shamanic drum and medicinal herbs
Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is an active ingredient of the ayahuasca brew used in shamanistic rituals in South America. Photograph: Michal Moravcik/Alamy

People with major depressive disorder can see a rapid and lasting improvement after a single dose of the psychedelic drug dimethyltryptamine (DMT) when it is combined with psychotherapy, doctors have said.

A small clinical trial involving 34 people found that psychedelic-assisted therapy prompted a swift reduction in depressive symptoms that endured long after the drug had worn off, with some still feeling the benefits six months later.

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