Study: Psilocybin May Aid Recovery in Traumatic Brain Injury Patients

Researchers from Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine and JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute conducted a narrative review of existing literature published between 2000 and 2025. After screening research databases and relevant references, they analyzed 45 studies, including several focused on psilocybin’s legal landscape. According to the review, psilocybin-assisted therapy may support TBI recovery through multiple pathways. The psychedelic compound may help reduce inflammation, enhance neuroplasticity, and support neuroregeneration. Additionally, psilocybin shows promise in improving mood disorders frequently associated with brain injury, such as anxiety and depression.

While direct studies involving TBI patients are still limited, researchers point to encouraging results from psilocybin use in other neurological and psychiatric conditions, including addiction and major depression. The authors argue these findings provide a strong rationale for further investigation, calling for large-scale clinical trials to determine psilocybin’s effectiveness and safety in TBI treatment.

The study concludes by stating:

The research on psilocybin as a therapeutic agent shows promise for its application in TBI in theory, but it requires more in-depth studies. Its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to promote neurogenesis and synaptogenesis suggests potential usefulness in TBI treatment. On top of that, the antidepressant properties can be used to address the high rates of depression in TBI patients. However, concerns regarding potential “bad trips” and other possible side effects stress the need for more controlled clinical trials to establish safe and effective protocols. Furthermore, it is important to consider if psilocybin will have a worsening effect on the sequelae seen in TBI patients. TBI is associated with an increased incidence of seizures [61], but a review of classic psychedelics in healthy human and animal models did not suggest an increased risk of seizures. This review did find an increased risk of seizure in those taking kambo or lithium, but authors of the review stated that their conclusions lacked external validity and recommended caution with interpretation [62]. No studies were found that explored the effects of psilocybin on autonomic dysfunction, a complication seen in TBI patients [63]. Further studies are also required to explore proper dosing within TBI patients, as TBI patients are at increased risk of BBB openings [64]. While decriminalization efforts in the United States are indicative of growing interest, its federal Schedule I classification limits rigorous scientific exploration. A combination of psilocybin treatment with current therapeutic practices has the potential to maximize TBI recovery, thus providing a novel method to enhance treatment for people dealing with this persistent condition.