Title & Introduction

  • Paper Title: Serotonergic Psychedelics as Potential Therapeutics for Post-COVID-19 Syndrome (or Long COVID): A Comprehensive Review
  • Published In: Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry
  • Publish date: February 3, 2025
  • Authors: Zhen Xuen Brandon Low, Shin Jie Yong, Hayam A. Alrasheed, Maha F. Al-Subaie, Nawal A. Al Kaabi, Mubarak Alfaresi, Hawra Albayat, Jawaher Alotaibi, Ali Al Bshabshe, Ameen S.S. Alwashmi, Amal A. Sabour, Maha A. Alshiekheid, Zainab H. Almansour, Huda Alharthi, Hani A. Al Ali, Adel A. Almoumen, Nabil A. Alqasimi, Hajir AlSaihati, Alfonso J. Rodriguez-Morales, Ali A. Rabaan
  • Objective: To examine the potential role of serotonergic psychedelics in alleviating symptoms of post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS), or Long COVID, by investigating their mechanisms of action on serotonin modulation, neuroplasticity, and inflammation.
  • Importance: PCS affects a significant portion of individuals post-COVID-19, with no approved treatments currently available. Recent evidence suggests serotonin depletion may contribute to PCS symptoms, positioning serotonergic psychedelics as potential therapeutic agents.

Summary & Takeaways

Key Takeaway: Serotonergic psychedelics may help alleviate symptoms of Long COVID by enhancing serotonergic transmission, promoting neuroplasticity, and reducing inflammation. However, further research is needed.

Practical Application: If validated through clinical research, psychedelics could be explored as a novel treatment approach for PCS, particularly for cognitive dysfunction, sleep disturbances, and mental health symptoms.

Key Background Information

  • Context: PCS, or Long COVID, is characterized by symptoms such as fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, sleep disturbances, and anosmia. Emerging research links serotonin depletion to PCS severity.
  • Hypothesis: Serotonergic psychedelics may alleviate PCS symptoms through their effects on serotonin receptors, particularly 5-HT2A, influencing neuroplasticity, inflammation, and endothelial function.

Key Findings

Primary Outcomes:

  • Serotonin depletion is a significant marker distinguishing PCS patients from symptom-free individuals.
  • Psychedelics may mediate serotonin transmission and promote neuroplasticity.
  • Psychedelics may reduce inflammation and improve cognitive function, sleep, and overall PCS symptoms.

Secondary Outcomes:

  • The study provides a theoretical framework but lacks direct clinical evidence.
  • Calls for further high-quality research to confirm the safety and efficacy of psychedelics in PCS treatment.

Interpretation & Implications

  • Conclusion: While preliminary evidence suggests a role for psychedelics in PCS treatment, robust clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings.
  • Implications: If proven effective, psychedelics could provide a novel pharmacological treatment for PCS, addressing neurological and inflammatory symptoms.
  • Limitations: The study is theoretical, relying on prior research rather than direct clinical trials. The safety profile of psychedelics in PCS patients remains unknown.

Researchers & Publication

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