Concussions, a common injury in sports, can have long-lasting effects on athletes. With traditional treatments often proving insufficient, athletes and sports professionals are exploring the potential of psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) to manage post-concussion symptoms (PPCS). Recent studies have shed light on the willingness of the sports community to consider psilocybin, a classic psychedelic, as a new approach to concussion treatment.

Key findings of the study

A study published in Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology explored the attitudes of athletes and sports staff toward psilocybin-assisted therapy for concussion recovery. The study surveyed 175 participants, including 85 athletes and 90 sports staff members, predominantly from the U.S. and Canada. It found that a significant portion of athletes (61.2%) would be willing to engage in PAT, while an even higher percentage of sports staff (71.1%) would support athletes using such treatment.

The study also highlighted that 56% of the athletes surveyed had experienced at least one concussion, with many reporting persistent symptoms like headaches and cognitive issues. These findings underscore the potential demand for alternative treatments like PAT among athletes suffering from PPCS1.

How psychedelic-assisted therapy might help

Psilocybin, the psychedelic compound under consideration, is known for its therapeutic benefits in mental health conditions. It primarily acts on the serotonin 2A receptor and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and neurogenic effects, particularly in brain regions responsible for cognitive functions. Additionally, psilocybin’s ability to manage anxiety and depression, common in individuals with PPCS, makes it a promising candidate for concussion treatment.

The study’s authors hypothesize that psilocybin could benefit those with sports-related concussions through three primary mechanisms: reducing neuroinflammation, promoting neurogenesis in cognitive brain regions, and alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression. Although psilocybin has not been formally tested in individuals with sports-related concussions, these potential mechanisms offer a strong basis for further research.

Concerns and barriers to implementation

Despite the promising potential of psilocybin-assisted therapy, the study identified several concerns and barriers among participants. A significant portion of both athletes and staff expressed worries about the long-term effects of psilocybin use. About 24% of athletes and 24.7% of staff listed this as a major concern. Additionally, athletes highlighted the stigma they might face from coaches or team staff, while sports professionals pointed to the challenge of accessing psilocybin treatment as a significant barrier.

The study also revealed a general lack of accurate knowledge about psilocybin among participants. While many were familiar with the compound, there were misconceptions, particularly regarding its potential for addiction—a concern more commonly held by staff than athletes. This underscores the need for education within the sports community to address these misconceptions and provide a more informed perspective on the potential benefits and risks of psilocybin-assisted therapy.

Current state of research

Research on using psychedelics for concussion treatment is still in its infancy. While psilocybin has shown promise in treating various mental health conditions, its application in sports-related concussions remains largely unexplored. However, the growing interest in this area, as evidenced by studies like the one published in Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology, suggests that further investigation is both necessary and likely.

The National Football League (NFL) has already begun exploring alternative treatments for concussions, including cannabinoids. The league has partnered with researchers on clinical trials to test the safety and efficacy of CBD for neuroprotection and pain management in concussed athletes. This initiative could pave the way for similar studies on psychedelics, potentially accelerating research into PAT for concussion recovery.

Implications for the future of sports medicine

The findings of the study have significant implications for the future of sports medicine. As more athletes and sports professionals become open to the idea of psychedelic-assisted therapy, there is a growing need for rigorous research to validate its effectiveness and safety. If psilocybin proves to be a viable treatment for PPCS, it could revolutionize how concussions are managed in sports, offering athletes a new tool to enhance their recovery and quality of life.

The study’s findings also highlight the importance of education within the sports community. Addressing misconceptions and providing accurate information about psilocybin could help reduce stigma and increase acceptance of this innovative treatment approach.

While psychedelic-assisted therapy is still an emerging field, its potential to transform concussion treatment in sports is undeniable. As research progresses and the sports community becomes more informed, psilocybin could become a key player in the future of concussion management, offering new hope for athletes struggling with the long-term effects of head injuries. 


References

  1. VanderZwaag, Baeleigh, et al. “Exploring Psychedelic Use in Athletes and Their Attitudes toward Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy in Concussion Recovery.” Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology, vol. 14, 1 Jan. 2024, https://doi.org/10.1177/20451253241264812. ↩︎