Could a Parkinson's drug help depressed people feel pleasure again?

NCT ID NCT06075771

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: Emory University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether L-DOPA, a drug used for Parkinson's, can improve anhedonia (loss of interest or pleasure) in people with depression who also have high inflammation. Seventy adults aged 25-55 will receive either L-DOPA or a placebo for 8 weeks. Researchers will measure changes in depression symptoms and brain activity using MRI scans.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: L-DOPA (carbidopa levodopa)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a new treatment for anhedonia (loss of pleasure) in people with depression and high inflammation.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase trial with only 70 people. It may not show a clear benefit, and L-DOPA can cause side effects like nausea or dizziness.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Anhedonia Depression depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ANHEDONIA DEPRESSION

Contacts and locations

Locations

Emory University Hospital
RECRUITING

Atlanta, Georgia, 30322, United States

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