Imaging the Effects of Serotonin 2A Receptor Modulation on Synaptic Density in Treatment-resistant Depression (SYNVEST) (NCT06512220)
🩺 Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)
Psilocybin, the chemical component of "magic mushrooms", has been administered with psychotherapy in several randomized clinical trials (RCTs) showing large and sustained antidepressant effects. In healthy volunteers, the psychedelic effects of psilocybin have been shown to be blocked by administration of certain medications such as risperidone. The purpose of this study is to use an established SV2A radiotracer produced at our Centre to determine the feasibility of integrating PET imaging in to psilocybin trials. The preliminary imaging data will assess whether psilocybin's antidepressant effects are related to changes in synaptic density in adults with TRD, and whether any changes in synaptic density are associated with psilocybin's actions on the 5-HT2AR.
Who can join: To join this study, participants generally need to meet the listed inclusion criteria (11 items) and avoid the listed exclusions (17 items).
Location: Centre for Addiction and Mental Health — Toronto, Ontario
📋 "Do I Qualify?" — 1-Minute Self Screener
Instant ChecklistCheck every box below. If you can check all of them, you may meet the study's basic screening requirements (final eligibility is confirmed by the site team).
Usually NOT eligible if any of the following apply:
- Exclusion Criteria:
- Pregnant as assessed by a urine pregnancy test at Screening (V1) or individual's that intend to become pregnant during the study or are breastfeeding;
- Treatment with another investigational drug or other intervention within 30 days of Screening (V1);
- Have initiated psychotherapy in the preceding 12 weeks prior to Screening (V1);
- Have a DSM-5 diagnosis of substance use disorder (use of tobacco is permitted) within the preceding 6 months;
- Have active suicidal ideation with intent and plan as determined by item 3 of the HamD-17;
- Any DSM-5 lifetime diagnosis of a schizophrenia-spectrum disorder; obsessive-compulsive disorder, psychotic disorder (unless substance induced or due to a medical condition), bipolar I or II disorder, paranoid personality disorder, borderline personality disorder, or neurocognitive disorder as determined by medical history and the SCID-5 clinical interview;
- Any first-degree relative with a diagnosis of schizophrenia-spectrum disorder; psychotic disorder (unless substance-induced or due to a medical condition); or bipolar I disorder as determined by the family medical history form and discussions with the participant;
- Presence of a relative or absolute contraindication to psilocybin, including a drug allergy, recent stroke history, uncontrolled hypertension, low or labile blood pressure, recent myocardial infarction, cardiac arrhythmic, severe coronary artery disease, or moderate to severe renal or hepatic impairment.
- Presence of baseline prolonged QTc or Torsade de Pointes as measured by the ECG or a history of long QTc syndrome or related risk factors;
- History of allergy or contraindication to risperidone
- Current or past traumatic brain injury or other neurological/neurodegenerative disorder
🔍 Extracted verbatim from the official NIH eligibility criteria. Always confirm with the study coordinator.
📍 All Participating Trial Locations (1 Sites)
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health — Toronto, Ontario
💰 Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights
- 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
- Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA § 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
- Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.