Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy After COVID-19: The Therapeutic Uses of Psilocybin and MDMA for Pandemic-Related Mental Health Problems

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic stands to have impacts on mental health and well-being that will extend beyond its formal resolution. Before COVID-19, mental health disorders were already challenging global healthcare systems, directly accounting for 7.4% of the total burden of disease (1, 2). An estimated 1 billion people worldwide suffer from a mental health disorder, with the two most common disorders-depression and anxiety-costing the global economy US$1 trillion per year (3). Stigma and limited treatment options have amounted to substantial unmet need and violations in human rights for people with mental health disorders (1,4,5). Looking ahead, heightened postpandemic demand for mental healthcare signifies an urgent need to bolster clinical capacity by integrating novel, cost-effective approaches into existing systems (6).Emergent literature globally describes the diverse impacts of COVID-19 on mental health (7, 8). For instance, available data among hospitalized COVID-19 patients in China revealed that approximately 96% suffered post-traumatic stress symptoms (9). Studies among intensive care unit (ICU) patients with previous coronaviruses infer high rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety (30-40%) persisting months after discharge (10), with similar rates observed in patients infected with . Highly exposed individuals such as frontline healthcare workers are susceptible to similarly negative outcomes due to prolonged occupational stress, elevating risk of PTSD and suicidality (12-14). Importantly, post-pandemic mental disorders are not limited to individuals directly exposed to COVID-19. Rather, research documents PTSD symptoms among individuals who have been indirectly exposed by witnessing (e.g., via the media) or being confronted with the threat of death or serious illness (e.g., worry/anticipation about the future) (7).COVID-19 has significantly altered lives in ways that exacerbate drivers of mental health problems, with widespread uncertainty, increased experiences of grief and loss, social isolation, economic and housing instability, and decreased access to critical services related to lockdowns (6,15). Further, available data on the impacts of COVID-19 on substance use patterns indicate increased use of alcohol and other substances in response to stress and negative emotions (8,16,17). Social connections are crucial for people struggling with addiction and comorbidities such as depression, and increased social disconnection represents a key risk factor for adverse outcomes Publisher's Note: All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article, or claim that may be made by its manufacturer, is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

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

“…A recent review has suggested that psychedelics could be an effective treatment option for the mental health sequelae of COVID‐19 3 . Psychedelics have been traditionally used in spiritual and religious practices, but in recent years, there has been a resurgence of research on the therapeutic potential of psychedelics.…”

“…A recent review has suggested that psilocybin and 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) may be an effective treatment option for the mental health challenges associated with COVID‐19. 3 Psychedelics have been traditionally used in spiritual and religious practices, but in recent years, there has been a resurgence of research on the therapeutic potential of psychedelics. 4 Psychedelics have shown promise in the treatment of various medical conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction.…”

“…The pathophysiology of Long‐COVID is still being elucidated, and there is a need for alternative treatment options. A recent review has suggested that psilocybin and 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) may be an effective treatment option for the mental health challenges associated with COVID‐19 3 . Psychedelics have been traditionally used in spiritual and religious practices, but in recent years, there has been a resurgence of research on the therapeutic potential of psychedelics 4 .…”

Long-COVID Symptoms Improved after MDMA and Psilocybin Therapy: a case report

“…A recent review has suggested that psilocybin and 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) may be an effective treatment option for the mental health challenges associated with COVID. 3 Psychedelics have been traditionally used in spiritual and religious practices, but in recent years, there has been a resurgence of research on the therapeutic potential of psychedelics. 4 Psychedelics have shown promise in the treatment of various medical conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction.…”

In Silico Studies on Psilocybin Drug Derivatives Against SARS-CoV-2 and Cytokine Storm of Human Interleukin-6 Receptor

“…In several studies, psilocybin drugs have been tested against COVID-19 for mental health problems caused by the pandemic, and the results of the clinical trials indicate that psychedelics are physiologically and psychologically safe (19). Psilocybin has been reported to be effective in treating depression recently (20).…”