Psilocybin Therapy for Depression in Parkinson's Disease

Launched by JOSHUA WOOLLEY, MD, PHD · Jun 6, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the effects of psilocybin therapy, a treatment derived from certain mushrooms, on people with Parkinson's Disease (PD) who also experience depression. The goal is to see if this therapy can help improve their mood and overall symptoms. The study is currently recruiting participants aged between 40 and 80 who have been diagnosed with idiopathic Parkinson's Disease and are experiencing symptoms of depression. To be eligible, participants must be comfortable communicating in English and able to attend both in-person and virtual visits at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF).

Participants in the trial can expect to receive psilocybin therapy along with support and monitoring from the medical team. It's important for potential participants to know that they should not have any significant cognitive issues or use certain medications that could interact negatively with psilocybin. The study is looking for individuals who have a primary care provider or specialist managing their health. This trial offers a chance to explore a new therapy that could help improve quality of life for those dealing with the challenges of Parkinson's Disease and depression.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Age 40 to 80
• • Comfortable speaking and writing in English
• • Have neurologist-diagnosed idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD), Hoehn and Yahr stages 1 to 3 during an "on" phase (time when medication/DBS for parkinsonian motor feature, including bradykinesia and rigidity is in effect)
• • Currently experiencing depressive symptoms
• • Able to attend all in-person visits at UCSF as well as virtual visits
• • Have a primary care provider, neurologist, or psychiatrist who is actively managing or coordinating
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Psychotic symptoms involving loss of insight
• • Significant cognitive impairment
• • Regular use of medications that may have problematic interactions with psilocybin
• • A health condition that makes this study unsafe or unfeasible, determined by study physicians