Psilocybin-Assisted Psychotherapy for Chronic Somatoform Pain Disorder: A Case Report
M Mercier, Cédric Mabilais, Vasileios Chytas, Leonice Furtado, Federico Seragnoli, Albert Buchard, Tatiana Aboulafia Brakha, Gabriel Thorens, Daniele Zullino, Louise Penzenstadler
Psychoactives September 1, 2025 DOI: 10.3390/psychoactives4030030 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA patient with persistent somatoform pain disorder and recurrent depressive disorder underwent four sessions of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy. The intervention was associated with reduced negative impact of pain on daily life, increased pain acceptance, improved quality of life, and fewer depressive symptoms. The case suggests that psychedelics combined with psychotherapy may offer a novel approach to chronic pain treatment, though controlled studies are needed.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1 |
| Population | Patient with persistent somatoform pain disorder and recurrent depressive disorder |
| Intervention | Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy |
| Duration | Four sessions |
| Topics | Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Chronic pain Psychotherapist Medicine Psychology |
| Key finding | Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy was associated with reduced negative impact of pain, increased pain acceptance, improved quality of life, and reduced depressive symptoms in a patient with chronic pain. |
Abstract
Psychedelic substances have experienced a resurgence of clinical interest in recent years, particularly for their promising effects in the treatment of psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety. While evidence regarding their role in chronic pain management remains limited, emerging studies suggest potential therapeutic benefits. This case report describes a patient with persistent somatoform pain disorder and recurrent depressive disorder who underwent four sessions of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy. The intervention was associated with a reduction in the negative impact of pain on daily life, increased pain acceptance, improved quality of life, and reduction in depressive symptoms. These findings contribute to the growing body of literature suggesting that psychedelics, when combined with psychotherapy, may offer a novel and holistic approach to the treatment of chronic pain. Further controlled studies are needed to explore the safety, efficacy, and underlying mechanisms.