Evaluating Psilocybin as a Treatment for Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Parkinson’s Disease
Global Journal of Medical Research June 28, 2025 Norman W. Barton
Parkinson's disease involves both motor and non-motor symptoms like depression and anxiety that standard treatments do not fully address. Psilocybin, which acts on serotonin receptors, may help by modulating serotonin and dopamine systems, promoting neuroplasticity, and reducing brain inflammation. Evidence from depression and substance use disorders suggests psilocybin could improve both motor and non-motor symptoms, though direct clinical research in Parkinson's is lacking. Psilocybin's ability to increase brain network connectivity and regulate dopamine release provides a plausible mechanism. Ethical and regulatory hurdles remain, and future disease-specific trials are needed to determine efficacy, dosing, and safety.