MAPS Canada School of Psychedelics

Talk abstract

Persisting symptoms after concussion (PSaC) are experienced by up to a third of those who suffer a concussion. Symptoms can include headache, dizziness, fatigue, irritability, anxiety, impaired attention and memory, and noise and light sensitivity, which vary between patients and are often debilitating to day-to-day life. Unfortunately, there is no cure or evidence-based standard treatment these patients can turn to, as PSaC can vary for each patient. Current treatments, such as psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy, are not effective for all patients. A novel treatment approach which has shown promise in treating similar symptoms as PSaC, such as cluster headaches, anxiety, and depression, is psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. This therapy involves the therapeutic administration of a psychedelic substance, which is paired with psychotherapy before, during, and after medication administration. This clinical trial aims to determine if psilocybin-assisted therapy is a safe, feasible, and effective intervention for adults with PSaC. Participants will be randomized to either a small control dose or a larger treatment dose of psilocybin, followed by 5 sessions of acceptance and commitment therapy adapted for patients with brain injury. By measuring outcomes such as recruitment, adherence, safety, and preliminary efficacy in PSaC symptoms, this novel trial aims to identify the potential for psilocybin-assisted therapy to improve recovery for those suffering from PSaC.