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

Published Aug 6, 07:22 PM UTC

The Department of Veterans Affairs is launching the PIVOT study, a 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 at least 240 veterans. The double-blind, randomized trial will take place at five VA medical centers through June 2031, with participants receiving one or two doses of psilocybin or a placebo alongside therapeutic support. This follows a small Ohio State University study where 75% of veterans with severe PTSD no longer met clinical criteria after psilocybin treatment. The initiative is backed by a Trump executive order directing accelerated FDA review of psychedelic therapies and an HHS-VA agreement to increase coordination on psychedelic research. The VA is currently involved in 20 clinical trials on psychedelic treatments, including MDMA and LSD.