In a groundbreaking case study, a 41-year-old woman suffering from long COVID reported significant improvement in her symptoms after using psychedelics, including MDMA and psilocybin. These mind-altering substances were taken under the guidance of a therapist and led to a marked reduction in symptoms such as fatigue, depression, anxiety, joint pain, and headaches. Despite the lack of federal authorization for the medical use of MDMA or psilocybin in the US, states like Oregon and Colorado have taken steps to legalize certain psychedelic-assisted therapies. Similarly, countries like Australia are also exploring the potential of psychedelics in treating various mental health conditions.
Prior to contracting COVID-19 in February 2022, the woman in the case study was in good health and had received three vaccinations for the virus. However, she experienced severe anxiety, depression, debilitating headaches, and cognitive difficulties as part of her long COVID symptoms. Traditional methods such as fasting, massage therapy, and meditation failed to provide lasting relief, prompting her to explore alternative treatments. After joining a long COVID clinic waitlist, she decided to try psychedelics as a last resort.
In May 2022, the woman began her psychedelic therapy with a gram of ‘golden teacher’ Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms, followed by a dose of MDMA and subsequent doses of psilocybin. The experience led to an 80 percent improvement in her symptoms, allowing her to resume her PhD studies. As she continued the treatment over the following months, there were minor setbacks but ultimately, she achieved a complete resolution of her symptoms by the end of 2022. The psychedelic sessions were reported to bring about feelings of being in a childlike state, a deep connection to nature, and an alternate reality.
While the link between psychedelics and long COVID relief remains somewhat speculative, previous studies have suggested a connection between long COVID and brain damage. Many long COVID patients also report experiencing brain fog as a symptom, which could potentially be alleviated by psychedelics that interact with the brain. However, it is essential to note that the case study lacks randomization, a control group, or dosage control, highlighting the need for more rigorous scientific research in this area. Although anecdotal reports of psychedelics improving long COVID symptoms exist, the complex nature of the condition requires comprehensive studies to validate their efficacy.
Despite the promising results of the case study, it is crucial to approach the use of psychedelics in long COVID treatment with caution. Scientists emphasize the importance of conducting well-controlled studies to evaluate the true impact of psychedelics on long COVID symptoms. At Columbia University, researchers have launched a small pilot trial to investigate whether hallucinogenic treatments can provide relief to long COVID patients. While the potential of psychedelics in treating long COVID is promising, further research is needed to fully understand their mechanism of action and ensure their safety and efficacy as a form of treatment.
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