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Long-COVID symptoms improved after MDMA and psilocybin therapy: A case report

Summary

A 41-year-old woman with Long-COVID experienced severe symptoms including fatigue, depression, anxiety, headaches, and brain fog that didn’t improve with traditional treatments. She decided to try psilocybin mushrooms and MDMA with guidance from a therapist. After multiple dosing sessions over several months, she reported roughly 80-90% improvement in her symptoms and was able to return to work and resume her studies. While this single case is promising, more research is needed to determine whether these psychedelics are truly safe and effective for Long-COVID.

Background

Long-COVID syndrome, also known as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), persists after the acute phase of COVID-19 and lacks effective holistic treatment options. Symptoms can include fatigue, depression, anxiety, joint pain, headaches, and cognitive impairment. Traditional treatment approaches including rehabilitation, physical therapy, and medications may not be fully effective for all individuals.

Objective

To present a case report of a 41-year-old fully vaccinated female with Long-COVID syndrome who obtained significant symptomatic relief after self-medicating with psilocybin and MDMA. To describe the clinical outcomes and explore potential therapeutic mechanisms of psychedelics for Long-COVID symptoms.

Results

The patient received multiple dosing sessions with psilocybin and MDMA between May and November 2022, reporting approximately 80-90% improvement in Long-COVID symptoms including fatigue, depression, anxiety, joint pain, headaches, and cognitive dysfunction. The patient was able to return to work and resume PhD studies. After a relapse in November, another psilocybin dose led to complete symptom resolution.

Conclusion

This case demonstrates potential symptomatic improvement in Long-COVID following psychedelic therapy, though larger randomized controlled trials are needed to establish safety and efficacy. The mechanisms may involve psychedelics’ effects on neurotransmitters, default mode network connectivity, and neural plasticity. Further research is necessary to determine whether psychedelics are safe and effective treatments for Long-COVID.
  • Published in:Clinical Case Reports,
  • Study Type:Case Report,
  • Source: PMID: 38813452, DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.8791
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