UVic study finds traumatic brain injury survivors use psychedelic drugs for relief

A new study being conducted at UVic has reportedly identified that some traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivors can find symptom relief by using psychedelic drugs. 

According to the university, the individuals taking part in the study have been self-medicating to improve cognitive, mood and physical symptoms, such as headaches. 

This study had clinical psychology researchers analyze over 6,100 responses to a global survey, finding that nearly 1,200 respondents reported using psychedelics to treat or manage a physical health condition.

Of those, 208 respondents reported using psychedelics to manage brain injury-related symptoms.

Researchers on this project found that respondents with TBIs most often used psilocybin, or “magic mushrooms,” in microdoses every two-to-six months. 

Many also reported self-medicating with LSD/acid and ketamine.

The now-complete paper, titled Psychedelics for the management of symptoms of traumatic brain injury: Findings from the global psychedelic survey, was co-authored by UVic clinical psychology professors Jill Robinson and Mauricio Garcia-Barrera.

Some 60 million people worldwide experience traumatic brain injuries (TBI) every year. The study’s data shows that around 60 million people globally suffer TBIs every year, and Garcia-Barrera says there isn’t a one-size-fits-all treatment for survivors. 

“Although research into using psychedelics to manage TBI symptoms remains quite limited, the field is gaining momentum as awareness grows around how widespread brain injury is globally and its impact on the quality of life of those who experience a TBI,” Garcia-Barrera says.

Ultimately, the study found that people with TBIs are experimenting with psychedelics to manage mood, cognitive and physical symptoms, and around 90% are finding relief from it. 

Researchers say that a lot of questions remain surrounding the safety and effectiveness of using psychedelics to treat brain injuries and that more research and clinical trials are needed to evaluate the risks.