Summary of article by Jamie Ducharme, published in TIME Magazine, on April 17, 2023.
A growing body of research suggests that psychedelic substances, including psilocybin and MDMA, may be effective in treating the lingering psychological symptoms experienced by some individuals with long COVID. Long COVID refers to a range of persistent symptoms that continue to affect some patients after the acute phase of COVID-19 has resolved. These symptoms can include fatigue, brain fog, and psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Psychedelic-assisted therapy has shown promise in addressing various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD, by promoting neuroplasticity and facilitating therapeutic breakthroughs. This has led researchers to consider the potential role of psychedelics in treating long COVID-related psychological symptoms.
In recent years, clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of psilocybin, the active compound in hallucinogenic mushrooms, and MDMA, also known as ecstasy, in treating various mental health disorders. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted both substances “breakthrough therapy” designation for the treatment of PTSD and depression, acknowledging their potential to provide significant benefits over existing treatments.
A study published in JAMA Psychiatry in 2021 revealed that psilocybin-assisted therapy was more effective than conventional antidepressant treatment in reducing depressive symptoms. Another study published in Nature Medicine in 2021 demonstrated that MDMA-assisted therapy led to significant reductions in PTSD symptoms, with 67% of participants no longer meeting the criteria for PTSD after three treatment sessions.
Psychedelic therapy is believed to work by encouraging neural connections and promoting neuroplasticity, which may help patients develop new thought patterns and coping mechanisms. This could be particularly beneficial for individuals with long COVID, who often struggle with the uncertainty and chronic nature of their condition.
However, researchers caution that the use of psychedelics in treating long COVID is still in its early stages, and further studies are needed to confirm their safety and efficacy. Additionally, the long-term effects of psychedelic use remain unclear, and their use should be supervised by trained professionals in controlled settings to minimize potential risks.
As the scientific community continues to explore the potential of psychedelic therapy for various mental health conditions, there is growing hope that these substances could provide much-needed relief for individuals suffering from the psychological impacts of long COVID. While more research is needed to establish the safety, efficacy, and long-term effects of psychedelic therapy in this context, the current evidence suggests that it could represent a promising avenue for treatment.
