Patients whose cases of depression are not easily treated with medication or other standard therapy may soon be helped by psychedelic substances, such as those produced by some forms of fungi.
USF Health researchers are investigating the substance psilocybin and similar psychedelics as potential treatments for treatment-resistant major depressive disorder (MDD), postpartum depression, and other depressive conditions.
Psilocybin, a compound found in certain mushrooms, is believed to work on serotonin receptors, a neurotransmitter implicated in depression. Researchers hope it may offer faster relief compared to traditional antidepressants.
Dr. Ryan Wagoner, chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences at USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, is leading clinical trials focused on treatment-resistant depression.
"We're looking at psilocybin for people who have tried multiple types of treatments and just haven't had the relief they're looking for," Dr. Wagoner said. "We're also exploring its potential for other forms of depression, such as those associated with major life stressors."
According to the National Institutes of Health, approximately 30% of patients with MDD have treatment-resistant depression. This condition affects millions of Americans annually, highlighting the need for new treatment approaches.
Dr. Deborah Knudson Gonzalez, a reproductive psychiatrist and associate professor at USF Health, is participating in a similar study, which is examining psilocybin's effects on postpartum depression.
"I'm excited about possibly adding more treatment options for patients," Dr. Knudson-Gonzalez said. "If this works quickly and effectively, I want to be a part of understanding the mechanism and making it accessible to patients."
USF Health is currently recruiting participants for these clinical trials. Those interested in learning more about the current clinical trials for depression, treatment-resistant depression and postpartum depression please visit
https://health.usf.edu/medicine/psychiatry/clinicaltrials/current_studies or email psychiatryclinicaltrials@usf.edu.