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Harman Chopra

and 4 more

IntroductionCoronavirus 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.