A recent case study in Clinical Case Reports shares the story of a 41-year-old woman who used psilocybin and MDMA to cope with severe symptoms after recovering from COVID-19. The study suggests an interesting, but not yet proven, possibility that psychedelic substances might help ease the mental and cognitive issues related to Long-COVID.
Long-COVID, also known as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection, involves symptoms that last long after the initial COVID-19 illness is over. These lingering issues can include extreme tiredness, brain fog, anxiety, depression, joint pain, and headaches. Right now, there aren't many effective treatments available for Long-COVID, despite ongoing research.
Psilocybin, a natural psychedelic compound found in specific mushrooms, has been used in spiritual practices for hundreds of years. Recently, scientific research has started to reveal its potential benefits for mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
MDMA, also known as ecstasy, is another psychoactive substance gaining attention in clinical settings, particularly for treating PTSD. Both psilocybin and MDMA are thought to provide therapeutic benefits—especially when combined with supportive therapy—by improving emotional processing and brain connectivity.
The case study focuses on a 41-year-old woman who had been in good health before experiencing severe Long-COVID symptoms after catching the virus in February 2022, even though she had received three vaccinations. Her post-COVID symptoms included severe anxiety, depression, insomnia, joint pain, cognitive difficulties, and a unique type of headache different from her usual migraines.
In her initial session, she took one gram of dried psilocybin mushrooms. She reported a 20% improvement in her symptoms that lasted for a week, although she did experience chills as the effects of the drug began to set in.
In her second session, which took place 24 days later, she combined MDMA with a higher dose of psilocybin mushrooms, consumed as a tea. This session led to significant improvements, including a notable reduction in her symptoms and an enhanced sense of well-being. Remarkably, her cognitive function improved, allowing her to resume her PhD studies and return to work.
Now keep in mind, case studies have significant limitations. The results from a single case cannot be generalized to the wider population. There is a lack of control and randomization, which are crucial for establishing causal relationships. Moreover, placebo effects and subjective reporting can impact the perceived outcomes. Nevertheless, case studies can generate interest and set the stage for more extensive, controlled research.
"Long-COVID is a complex condition that can be challenging to manage and treat. Traditional treatment options may not be effective for all individuals, and there is a need for alternative treatment options. We report a case of a patient using psychedelics and seeing dramatic improvement in her Long-COVID symptoms. Further research is needed to determine whether psychedelics are safe and effective for Long-COVID and to understand the potential mechanisms of action.”
The paper, “Long-COVID symptoms improved after MDMA and psilocybin therapy: A case report,” was authored by Harman Chopra, Tim Furnish, Monica Verduzco-Gutierrez, David S. Jevotovsky, and Joel Castellanos.