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The Effectiveness of Microdosed Psilocybin in the Treatment of Neuropsychiatric Lyme Disease: A Case Study

Summary

A 70-year-old man suffering from severe depression and anxiety caused by chronic Lyme disease and related tick-borne infections found relief after taking small doses of psilocybin mushrooms three times a week. Within days of starting treatment, his mood improved dramatically, and he remained symptom-free for two years. This case suggests that psilocybin’s ability to reduce inflammation in the brain may help patients with infectious-caused psychiatric conditions who cannot tolerate standard medications.

Background

Lyme disease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi can result in severe neuropsychiatric symptoms that are often resistant to conventional treatment. The pathogenesis involves autoimmune-induced neuroinflammation triggered by persistent infection and co-infections with other tick-borne pathogens. Psilocybin has demonstrated both serotonergic and anti-inflammatory properties in recent research.

Objective

This case report describes the successful treatment of a patient with serologically positive neuropsychiatric Lyme disease using microdosed psilocybin after failing to tolerate antimicrobial and psychotropic medications. The authors explore the potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin in treating mental illness secondary to autoimmune inflammation.

Results

Within two days of beginning microdosed psilocybin treatment, the patient experienced noticeable improvement in mood and anxiety. Within two weeks, he reported consistent wellness, and maintained remission of depression and anxiety symptoms for two years of continued treatment. The rapid response suggests anti-inflammatory rather than placebo effects.

Conclusion

Microdosed psilocybin shows promise in treating neuropsychiatric symptoms secondary to autoimmune neuroinflammation in Lyme disease patients. The anti-inflammatory properties of psilocybin combined with its serotonergic effects warrant further investigation through prospective, controlled, double-blind studies in patients with neuropsychiatric Lyme disease and other autoimmune encephalopathies.
  • Published in:International Medical Case Reports Journal,
  • Study Type:Case Study,
  • Source: PMID: 36896410, PMCID: PMC9990519, DOI: 10.2147/IMCRJ.S395342
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