Could Psilocybin Treat Lyme Disease?

Black legged-ticks (deer ticks) live all over the world. This means that anyone could be affected by Lyme disease, especially those who spend time in the great outdoors. While the majority of people who are infected with Lyme disease recover, for some it can turn into a debilitating condition that can shatter their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. 

What is Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease is an infection caused by the bites of black-legged ticks that are themselves infected by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. In 2022 the BMJ Global Health journal published a study that estimated that 14.5% of the global population has, at some point, been infected with Lyme disease. This number is only set to grow, with the rate of Lyme disease diagnosis already doubling in the last decade, due to climate change causing longer Springs and warmer temperatures. 

What Are the Symptoms of Lyme Disease?

Symptoms of (untreated) Lyme disease vary depending on what stage the infection is at. 

Stage 1 (Early Localized stage/ 1-4 weeks after infection)

• A distinctive ‘bullseye’ rash that expands outwards from the site of the tick bite
• Flu-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue, muscle and joint ache, headache, stiff neck and swollen lymph nodes. 

Stage 2 (Early Disseminated stage/ 1-4 months after infection)

• Neurological symptoms such as numbness, tingling in the limbs, and facial drooping due to paralysis (Bell’s palsy).
• Rashes in various regions of the body
• Heart palpitations due to inflammation
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath

Stage 3 (Late Disseminated stage/ 4 months+ post infection)

• Long-term untreated Lyme disease can lead to ‘Lyme arthritis’, a persistent joint inflammation, especially in larger joints such as the knees. 
• Joint pain, swelling and stiffness
• Memory loss, cognitive issues and difficulty concentrating (Encephalopathy)
• Tingling, pain, or numbness in the extremities (limbs)
• Sleep disturbance
• Mood changes such as depression or anxiety. 

How is Lyme Disease Diagnosed?

Unless a tick bite is caught early due to the actual tick still being present, or the characteristic bullseye rash being visible, Lyme disease can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms mimic many other conditions. A clinician will assess the likelihood of Lyme based on a combination of factors, and then a blood test is usually administered to detect antibodies and confirm the diagnosis. 

Treatment Options for Lyme Disease

• Early stage Lyme Disease is treated effectively with 10-14 days of antibiotics prescribed by a doctor. 
• Individuals with severe symptoms that affect the heart or nervous system may need IV antibiotics. 

Post-Treatment Lyme Disease

While most people recover from Lyme disease after treatment, some individuals may suffer from lingering symptoms known as Post-Treatment Lyme Disease (PTLD). PTLD is usually diagnosed if a patient continues to exhibit serious symptoms for 6 months or more after standard antibiotic treatment. 

Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Symptoms Include:

• Muscle and joint pain
• Cognitive impairments 
• Fatigue
• Chronic headaches
• Sleep issues
• Depression

Why some people develop PTLD is unclear, but researchers propose it could be due to immune system alterations caused by the infection, or prolonged inflammation. Treatment for the condition generally focuses on symptom management, as antibiotics do not work. This means the quality of life of those who live with Post-Treatment Lyme Disease is often heavily compromised. 

Could Psilocybin Help Those with Lyme Disease?

Psilocybin, (the psychedelic compound in magic mushrooms and truffles) has been found to be effective in the treatment of mental health conditions including depression, PTSD, anxiety, addiction issues, and eating disorders. Additionally, there have been intriguing signs that the compound could also be used to treat chronic conditions such as Long COVID and cluster headaches. Now, researchers believe that psilocybin may have the potential to treat Post-Treatment Lyme Disease too. 

While research on the effects of psilocybin on PTLD is thus far limited, based on psilocybin’s known mechanisms (particularly its serotonergic and anti-inflammatory qualities), it is fair to assume that it could ease the symptoms associated with the condition. 

How Would Psilocybin Help with PTLD? 

Psilocybin primarily acts by activating serotonin receptors, particularly the 5-HT2A receptor, which plays a key role in mood regulation and cognitive function. This mechanism offers several potential benefits for PTLD:

• By stimulating the serotonin receptors of the brain, psilocybin may improve mood thus reducing depression and anxiety (common in those with PTLD).
• Psilocybin may aid in emotional regulation as it promotes neuroplasticity, helping the brain to form new connections. 
• The boost in neuroplasticity and neurogenesis associated with psilocybin may enhance memory, focus, and general cognitive flexibility.  
• Psilocybin could ease the chronic inflammation often seen in PTLD, reducing joint and muscle aches. 
• Similarly, research shows that psilocybin can reduce the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6, which play a role in the body’s immune response. Reducing these cytokines may also help ease the chronic inflammation that contributes to PTLD symptoms like joint pain and fatigue. 
• PTLD patients often suffer from chronic pain. As serotonin modulates pain, psilocybin’s effect on serotonergic pathways could reduce chronic pain.
• The effect of psilocybin on neural circuits may alter how the brain processes pain, thus potentially relieving chronic pain.
• Psilocybin has been shown to help those living with life-altering conditions, as well as ease death-anxiety in terminally ill patients. For those with PTLD it may aid them in reframing their experience. 

Can Microdosing Psilocybin Treat Lyme Disease? A Case Study

A 2023 case study of a 70 year old man with Post-Treatment Lyme Disease, was the first of its kind to observe the effect of psilocybin on the condition. 

The Case Study:

• The case study consisted of a 70 year old man who had tested positive for Lyme disease at 46 years old after experiencing “fever, rigors, drenching sweats and myalgias”. He was treated with antibiotics oral doxycycline, clarithromycin, or cefuroxime, however his symptoms did not go away, and eventually he stopped his antibiotic therapy. 
• Over the next 20 years he experiences both partial remissions and relapses. As well as his previous symptoms, he also experienced depression, anxiety, panic attacks, cognitive dysfunction, insomnia and fatigue. He was prescribed antidepressants but he found the effects unbearable so stopped taking them. 
• At 70, after changing his antimicrobial routine, he had a relapse. Suffering physical symptoms as well as psychological ones, any antimicrobial treatment or anti-anxiety medications made his symptoms even worse. 
• After 3 months with no relief he began microdosing dried magic mushrooms (100mg three times a week, and after two weeks 125mg). 
• The man reported that his mood improved within 2 days. He felt consistently well after two weeks. Two years later, and still continuing this regimen, his depression and anxiety are still in remission. 
• The patient noted that when he started his microdosing routine he expected it would take at least two weeks to see any effects, if at all. He was therefore genuinely surprised at the effectiveness of psilocybin, when the results appeared so quickly. 

This case study shows exciting potential. However, the researchers note that further studies are needed to explore the therapeutic potential of psilocybin for Post-Treatment Lyme Disease. At this moment, Johns Hopkins Univeristy is conducting a clinical trial  “to examine the effects of psilocybin on Lyme disease symptom burden and quality of life in people with Post-Treatment Lyme Disease (PTLD).” 

Lyme disease can be a chronic and debilitating condition. That psilocybin could potentially alleviate symptoms for those who suffer is surely a light at the end of the tunnel. Stay Tuned!