The Potential Role of Psilocybin in Traumatic Brain Injury Recovery: A Narrative Review
Charles Palmer, Ally T Ferber, Brian D Greenwald
Brain Sciences May 26, 2025 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci15060572 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA narrative review of the literature suggests that psilocybin-assisted therapy may benefit people with traumatic brain injury by reducing inflammation, promoting neuroplasticity and neuroregeneration, and alleviating associated mood disorders. The review examined 29 articles from 2000–2025, plus additional references, and notes that positive findings in related fields—such as treatment for depression and addiction—highlight the need for more extensive clinical trials on psilocybin's role in TBI recovery.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Narrative review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Intervention | Psilocybin |
| Topics | Addiction Neuroplasticity |
| Keywords | Medical psilocybin Traumatic brain injury Psilocybin therapy Therapeutic psilocybin Psychedelic medicine |
| Citations | 4 |
| Key finding | Psilocybin-assisted therapy may reduce inflammation, promote neuroplasticity and neuroregeneration, and alleviate mood disorders in patients with traumatic brain injury. |
Abstract
Background: This narrative review explores psilocybin’s potential use as a therapeutic agent in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Methods: We engaged in a search of PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane’s databases for information on the effects of psilocybin. We also reviewed articles where psilocybin was used in patients with TBI. Articles from 2000–2025 were included. Results: A total of 29 articles met our initial inclusion criteria. Additionally, 13 articles were obtained from reference lists and 3 more articles on the legality of psilocybin from public websites. Conclusions: Assisted psilocybin use may have benefits in TBI by reducing inflammation, promoting neuroplasticity and neuroregeneration, and alleviating associated mood disorders. Positive findings in related fields, like treatment for depression and addiction, highlight the necessity for more extensive clinical trials on psilocybin’s role in TBI recovery.