Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy to Reduce Physician Burnout Evaluating Safety, Feasibility, and Biofeedback Effects

What This Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and early effectiveness of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy PAT to reduce burnout symptoms in physicians at the University of California, San Diego. Physician burnout is a growing concern linked to poor mental health, and PAT combines psilocybin, a natural substance affecting brain function, with psychological support to address burnout-related psychological challenges. The study also explores whether adding biofeedback during therapy sessions improves treatment outcomes compared to standard PAT. Participants will receive a single 25 mg dose of psilocybin combined with psychedelic-assisted therapy. They are randomly assigned to one of two groups one receiving real-time visual biofeedback during therapy sessions to help guide the therapist, and the other receiving therapy without biofeedback. The biofeedback uses signals from brain activity and physiological responses to support therapy delivery. This open-label study focuses on the treatment period and follow-up over 12 weeks. During the study, participants will complete all required visits and assessments, including monitoring burnout symptoms using the Stanford Professional Fulfillment Index from enrollment until 12 weeks after treatment. Researchers will also examine brain and behavioral measures to explore how they relate to therapy outcomes and identify potential biomarkers. Safety, tolerability, and psychological effects will be closely monitored throughout the study duration.

Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy for Physician Well-Being and Burnout