OPTIMIZE Study to Examine Impact of Psilocybin on Depression
The Vail Health Behavioral Health Innovation Center (VHBHIC) is set to embark on a transformative journey in behavioral health care with the launch of three novel studies. In collaboration with the University of Wisconsin-Madison, VHBHIC aims to enhance behavioral health care for patients in Eagle County and beyond, positioning itself as a world-renowned hub for behavioral health research, treatment, and education.
One of the flagship studies, the OPTIMIZE Study (Optimizing Psilocybin), will explore innovative methods to amplify the effects of psilocybin on depression and anxiety through the co-administration of non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation. This study will also investigate the impact of psilocybin on real-world social behavior and employ advanced strategies to better understand the risks and benefits of psilocybin use in a legalized setting, such as Colorado. The primary goal is to determine whether a single dose of psilocybin, when administered with psychological support, can be enhanced and prolonged through transcutaneous auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation (taVNS).
The OPTIMIZE Study will address critical questions about the optimal use of psilocybin for depression. Researchers will examine whether psilocybin can enhance therapeutic effects, affect brain neuroplasticity, and measurably change behavior. The study aims to identify early behavioral markers that may predict long-term treatment success, ultimately optimizing future therapeutic approaches.
A successful DEA site visit in January 2025 marked another step forward for the study. Enrollment is set to start in April 2025, and over 30 clinicians have been confirmed as study facilitators. This preparation ensures that the center is well-equipped to conduct these groundbreaking studies, paving the way for innovative treatments and improved patient outcomes.
