VA launches major clinical trial of psilocybin for PTSD and depression in veterans

Published Aug 6, 07:22 PM UTC

The Department of Veterans Affairs is launching the PIVOT clinical trial to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of psilocybin, the psychoactive ingredient in magic mushrooms, for treating treatment-resistant major depressive disorder and PTSD in veterans. The study will involve at least 240 veterans at five VA medical centers through June 2031, using a double-blind, randomized design with two doses of psilocybin or placebo alongside therapeutic support. This follows a small Ohio State University study where 75% of veteran participants no longer met PTSD criteria after treatment. The initiative is backed by a Trump executive order directing accelerated FDA review of psychedelic therapies and a recent VA-HHS agreement to increase coordination on psychedelic research. The VA is also involved in 20 other clinical trials on psychedelics including MDMA and LSD.