Introduction
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly contagious respiratory
illness caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
(SARS-CoV-2). The virus was first identified in Wuhan, China in December
2019 and has since spread globally, leading to a worldwide pandemic. The
majority of individuals who contract COVID-19 experience mild to
moderate symptoms and recover within a few weeks. However, a significant
proportion of individuals continue to experience symptoms long after the
acute phase of the illness has resolved, a condition known as Long-COVID
or post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection
(PASC).1 Long-COVID symptoms can be diverse and can
range from mild to severe, and can include fatigue, depression, anxiety,
joint pain, headaches, and cognitive impairment.
There are currently no effective or broad treatment options for Long
COVID, but some symptom-related management has been trialed. Traditional
treatment options, including rehabilitation, physical therapy, and
medications, may not be fully effective for all
individuals.2 The pathophysiology of Long-COVID is
still being elucidated and there is a need for alternative treatment
options. A recent review has suggested that psilocybin and
3,4-Methyl​enedioxy​methamphetamine (MDMA) may be an effective treatment
option for the mental health challenges associated with
COVID.3 Psychedelics have been traditionally used in
spiritual and religious practices, but in recent years, there has been a
resurgence of research on the therapeutic potential of
psychedelics.4 Psychedelics have shown promise in the
treatment of various medical conditions such as depression, anxiety,
PTSD, and addiction.4 This case report describes the
experience of a 44-year-old female who developed Long-COVID symptoms
after contracting COVID-19 and her experience managing her symptoms and
using psychedelics as a treatment. To our knowledge, this is the first
case report describing the potential efficacy of psychedelics for
Long-COVID symptoms.