Abstract

Background: Sports-related concussions (SRC), a form of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), are a frequent consequence of sports involvement. 10-30% of athletes who sustain a concussion will experience persisting symptoms after they return to normal activities. Persistent post-concussion symptoms (PPCS) include symptoms of anxiety and depression, mood dysregulation, and cognitive dysfunction. The injury itself and many of these symptoms lack viable treatment options leading many athletes to experience prolonged impairment. The psychedelic renaissance has found psilocybin at the forefront of clinical research with an abundance of evidence suggesting utility in managing symptoms in patients with treatment-resistant depression, anxiety and depression in terminal illness, and substance use disorders.

Given overlap between these clinical syndromes and the symptoms experienced by those with PPCS, the use of psilocybin for concussion and persisting symptom recovery is a promising and novel examination. However, substance use among athletes, particularly elite athletes, is highly regulated and the reception of psilocybin-therapy in athletes suffering from concussions and persisting symptoms is unknown. Hypotheses: We will examine willingness to engage in psychedelic assisted therapy using an exploratory approach. Based on previous literature, it is predicted that factors which are most likely to dictate willingness will include age, education level, geographical location, religion, and concussion history (exploratory). Methods: Data will be collected through a 25-minute anonymous Qualtrics online survey from respondents living in Canada or the USA.

The survey is comprised of three primary sections to examine demographics and concussion history, substance use, and attitudes towards psilocybin-assisted therapy. Data will be examined with correlational analyses to examine relationships between current concussion history and psychedelic use and multiple regression to predict attitudes towards psilocybin use for concussion recovery with variables of interest including age, education, geographical location, religion, and concussion history. Implications: This study will provide insight into the feasibility of psilocybin-assisted therapy in athletes with PPCS as well as policy change into the current concussion protocols. Finally, the findings of this study may direct researchers to examine the efficacy of psilocybin-assisted treatment in athletes.