According to scientists, the psychedelic substance DMT (dimethyltryptamine), when combined with psychotherapy, can provide rapid and long-lasting improvement in patients with severe forms of depression. Clinical trials have shown that even a single dose of the drug significantly reduced symptoms, with results persisting for up to six months in some patients.
The drug helps the brain break down established, unhealthy thought patterns, allowing the patient to discover new, positive perspectives through psychotherapy. The study involved individuals with “treatment-resistant depression” who no longer responded to standard antidepressants. Results showed that those who received DMT experienced a sharp decline in depression levels compared to the placebo group.
DMT is the active ingredient in the South American ritual drink, Ayahuasca, and it stands out from other similar psychedelics due to several key advantages for medical practice. The primary benefit of this substance is its short duration of action: the effect lasts approximately 25 minutes. This factor is much more convenient for clinical management, unlike other substances whose effects can last for several hours.
However, despite the short duration, DMT is characterized by extraordinary intensity, which requires significant emotional effort from the patient and constant, highly qualified psychological support from specialists. Approximately 100 million people worldwide suffer from depression that does not respond to treatment. Scientists hope that psychedelic therapy will become a viable solution for them.
