A single patient with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) that did not respond to standard treatments experienced substantial pain relief and improved function after taking psilocybin. This case suggests psilocybin may be a promising therapy for refractory CRPS, but more research is needed to determine its effectiveness and the best dosage for chronic pain.
Psychedelic-assisted therapies are approaching approval as medical treatments in the United States, both through FDA-regulated pathways and state-level decriminalization. This shift will require a trained workforce of facilitators, and psychiatric-mental health nurses are well positioned to fill key roles. Drawing on historical data and modern applications, the article argues that nurses have previously been involved in such therapies and can provide a wide range of functions once these treatments become available.