Psilocybin to target persistent concussion symptoms in Australia's first clinical trial

by Alexander Servantez, Monash University

edited by Gaby Clark, reviewed by Robert Egan

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Monash University researchers have launched Australia's first clinical trial to test whether the psychedelic drug psilocybin is an effective treatment for persistent post-concussion symptoms.

There are few effective therapies for the debilitating long-term effects of mild traumatic brain injury, more commonly known as concussion.

But researchers now think psilocybin, a psychedelic compound found in some mushrooms, could be the answer.

A recent preclinical study from Monash University indicates that a single macrodose can reduce the symptoms that often appear after brain injury. The research is published in the journal Cell Reports Medicine.

The project will leverage leading-edge capability and a track record in neuroimaging and biomarkers of psychedelics within the Monash Trauma Group, and clinical implementation and assessment within the Clinical Psychedelic Lab.

Why researchers are hopeful

Lead researcher on the trial, Professor Terence O'Brien, head of Monash University's School of Translational Medicine, program director Alfred Brain, and deputy director of research at Bayside Health Alfred, said the clinical trial is a huge step forward and will provide hope for many patients.

"Given the lack of effective treatment options for persistent and debilitating concussion symptoms, we are excited to be studying a promising new approach," O'Brien said.

"In addition to alleviating symptoms, research suggests it can also target the biological effects concussion has on the brain."

Up to 50% of people who sustain a concussion will experience persistent post-concussion symptoms.

These commonly include cognitive and emotional issues, plus other debilitating symptoms such as headache, dizziness, irritability and sleep disturbances.

How the trial will work

The Monash-led trial will take place in Melbourne over three years, beginning in 2026.

It is Australia's first randomized, double-blind, active placebo-controlled clinical trial investigating the efficacy of psilocybin-assisted therapy for persistent post-concussion symptoms in humans.

It will study the effect of the drug on people who have had persistent post-concussion symptoms for at least six months, regardless of the cause of the original concussion.

Professor Sandy Shultz, from the Monash Trauma Group in the School of Translational Medicine, said researchers expect psilocybin will reduce neuroinflammation and enhance the brain's ability to form new neural connections.

"We will also be looking at blood and neuroimaging biomarkers in the brain so we can understand exactly what the drug is doing in the body and how it is helping reduce symptoms," Shultz said.

"These benefits could last for at least six months post-treatment, which would be a game changer, and we will test this in the trial."

Support and broader collaboration

Dr. Josh Allen, a research fellow in the Clinical Psychedelic Lab at Monash's School of Clinical Sciences, said while many think this kind of trial isn't for them, it's worth reaching out if you suffer from persistent post-concussion symptoms.

"Participants are supported every step of the way," he said.

"This includes preparation sessions before, guided care during the psychedelic experience, and integration therapy afterward.

"Our approach will promote safety and maximize benefits for all trial participants."

Dr. Paul Liknaitzky, head of the Clinical Psychedelic Lab, said the research will address a major unmet need for people with persistent post-concussion symptoms.

"We're testing a combined treatment approach that targets both the neurological and psychological drivers of patients' symptoms and functionality," Liknaitzky said.

The project is a collaboration between the university's Department of Neuroscience and Department of Psychiatry. Also part of the research team are Dr. Georgia Symons, Dr. Jennifer Makovec Knight, Dr. Zhibin Chen and Dr. Andrew Gibbons, all from Monash University, as well as Professor Karen Caeyenberghs from Deakin University, Professor Joshua Byrnes from the University of Queensland, Professor Karen Barlow from the University of Queensland, and Naomi Fuller from Connectivity Traumatic Brain Injury Australia.

Publication details

Josh Allen et al, Psilocybin restores behavior and 5-HT2A signaling while reducing microglial density after chronic traumatic brain injury in rats, Cell Reports Medicine (2026). DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2026.102867

Journal information: Cell Reports Medicine

Key medical concepts

PsilocybinPost-Concussion SyndromeMild ConcussionNeuroinflammations

Clinical categories

NeurologyPsychiatryPsychology & Mental health Provided by Monash University Who's behind this story?

Gaby Clark

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Citation: Psilocybin to target persistent concussion symptoms in Australia's first clinical trial (2026, June 15) retrieved 16 June 2026 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-06-psilocybin-persistent-concussion-symptoms-australia.html This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.