MADRS
Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale — a validated 10-item clinician-rated scale measuring depression severity, scored from 0 (no symptoms) to 60 (severe). A 50% reduction from baseline is generally considered a treatment response; a score below 10 indicates remission. Used as a key secondary outcome measure in psilocybin depression trials including the landmark 2021 NEJM vs escitalopram study. Distinct from the QIDS-SR, which is self-reported.
Full Explanation
MADRS (Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale) is a validated 10-item clinician-rated scale measuring depression severity, scored from 0 (no symptoms) to 60 (severe). A 50% reduction from baseline is generally considered a treatment response; a score below 10 indicates remission. Used as a key secondary outcome measure in psilocybin depression trials including the landmark 2021 NEJM vs escitalopram study. Distinct from the QIDS-SR, which is self-reported.
See: Depression (/conditions/depression), Psilocybin vs SSRIs (/guides/psilocybin-vs-ssris).
Why It Matters
When you see MADRS in trial results, you can interpret response (50% drop) and remission (score below 10) and compare psilocybin studies to standard depression research.
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A naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain mushrooms that produces altered states of consciousness.
Psilocin
The pharmacologically active compound that psilocybin converts to in the body, responsible for psychedelic effects.
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A temporary dissolution of the sense of self during a psychedelic experience, often described as profound and transformative.
Set and Setting
The combination of mindset (set) and environment (setting) that shapes a psychedelic experience.
Microdosing
Taking sub-perceptual doses of psilocybin on a regular schedule for subtle cognitive and emotional benefits.
Mycelium
The vegetative part of a fungus, consisting of a network of fine white filaments that eventually produces mushrooms.