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

Researchers find DMT - used in shamanic rituals - in tandem with psychotherapy has significant effect

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.