Exploring the potential of psychedelics in brain injury recovery: a thematic analysis of participant narratives

Individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) frequently experience persistent cognitive difficulties, emotional dysregulation, and trauma-related symptoms, yet few interventions effectively address these interconnected challenges. This exploratory qualitative study examined how people with TBI perceived the effects of psychedelic use on cognition, mental health, and trauma recovery. Five adults with a history of TBI who had used psychedelics post-injury participated in semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Three themes were identified: (1) Trauma Relief and Mood Stabilisation, describing reductions in anxiety, emotional reactivity, and trauma-related distress; (2) Perceived Post-Dose Cognitive ‘Lift’ particularly in memory, clarity, and coordination following macrodose experiences; and (3) Insight, Acceptance, and Self-Compassion, reflecting enhanced self-understanding, identity reconstruction, and gentler relationships with the self after injury. Participants reported that macrodose experiences produced the most noticeable effects, including perceived short-term improvements in memory, clarity, and coordination. Overall, participants described psychedelic experiences as associated with trauma relief and mood stabilisation, perceived cognitive changes, and greater insight, acceptance, and self-compassion following TBI, with potential implications for neurorehabilitation.