Supplementary file 1_Exploring the potential of psychedelics in brain injury recovery: a thematic analysis of participant narratives.docx

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.