Psilocybin Therapy for Depression in Parkinson's Disease

This study is looking at whether psilocybin (a drug) can help improve depression in people with Parkinson's disease. You might be able to join if you are 40 to 80 years old, have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, and are currently experiencing symptoms of depression. Participants will receive a single dose of psilocybin, ranging from a low "microdose" to a higher dose, along with psychological support. Some participants will also receive pimavanserin or a placebo (an inactive substance). The main goal is to see if psilocybin improves depression symptoms within 30 days after the first dose. The current status of this study is unclear.

Study design
This is a randomized controlled trial planning to enroll 60 participants. It will compare psilocybin with psychological support to pimavanserin or a placebo.
What's involved
You would attend in-person visits at UCSF, complete two drug administration sessions, and have psychotherapy sessions before and after each drug dose. You will also have clinical assessments, brain imaging, non-invasive brain stimulation, and blood draws.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Follow-up will continue for 3 months after the second drug administration session.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT06455293

Psilocybin Therapy for Depression in Parkinson's Disease

Recruiting
PHASE2Ages 40–80InterventionalTreatment
Joshua Woolley, MD, PhD
~60 participants
Updated 2026-08-07 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:PsilocybinPimavanserin

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Evaluate the efficacy of psilocybin for improving depression in people living with Parkinson's disease
Measured over Baseline to 30 days after first drug dose
Parkinson Disease
Depression

NCT06455293

Where you'd take part

This study runs at 1 site. They're the same protocol — you choose where, and that choice sets who your contact draft is addressed to.

  • University of California, San Francisco

    San Francisco, Californiastudy coordinator listed

    Recruiting

Sites open and close at different times, so the status above is per site — it can differ from the study's overall status.

  • Joshua Woolley, MD,PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · University of California, San Francisco
  • Ellen Bradley, MD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · University of California, San Francisco

Opens a ready-to-send draft in your own email app — review before sending.

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

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

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
  • Evaluate the efficacy of psilocybin for improving depression in people living with Parkinson's diseaseBaseline to 30 days after first drug dose

    Changes in depression as measured by the MADRS