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Improved mental health outcomes and normalised spontaneous EEG activity in veterans reporting a history of traumatic brain injuries following participation in a psilocybin retreat

Summary

Researchers studied how psilocybin mushrooms given in a retreat setting could help military veterans with traumatic brain injuries who also experienced mental health problems like PTSD and depression. Veterans participated in guided psilocybin ceremonies and showed significant improvements in depression, anxiety, and overall quality of life, along with positive changes in their brain activity patterns measured by EEG. The study suggests that psilocybin retreats may be a promising therapeutic approach for this vulnerable population and supports the need for larger research studies.

Background

Veterans with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) frequently experience chronic neurological and psychological symptoms including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. Psilocybin, a serotonergic psychedelic, has demonstrated therapeutic potential through promoting neuroplasticity and reorganizing functional brain connectivity. This study investigates psilocybin’s effects in a retreat setting specifically for veterans with TBI history.

Objective

To assess the effects of psilocybin administered in retreat settings on veterans with TBI history, focusing on mental health outcomes and changes in brain connectivity measured by EEG.

Results

Significant improvements were observed in depression (PHQ-9: 65% decrease, p<0.001), anxiety (STAI: 28% decrease, p<0.001), quality of life (Qolibri-OS, p<0.001), and reintegration difficulties (M2C, p<0.001). EEG analysis showed decreased delta and theta power in frontal and temporal regions, enhanced alpha and beta coherence, and increased spatial variance in higher frequency bands, indicating improved neural function.

Conclusion

Psilocybin retreats demonstrate potential for improving psychological well-being and normalizing brain connectivity in veterans with TBI. The normalized EEG patterns and psychological improvements suggest benefits in emotional regulation and cognitive engagement. These preliminary findings warrant larger-scale, controlled studies to validate and expand upon these outcomes.
  • Published in:Frontiers in Psychiatry,
  • Study Type:Observational Study,
  • Source: PMC12364870, PMID: 40842948, DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1594307
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