Cited by 78Psychedelics and Drug StudiesBipolar Disorder and TreatmentSchizophrenia research and treatment

Risks and benefits of psilocybin use in people with bipolar disorder: An international web-based survey on experiences of ‘magic mushroom’ consumption

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Morton, Emma, Sakai, Kimberly, Ashtari, Amir, Pleet, Mollie, Michalak, Erin E, Woolley, Josh·2023·Journal of Psychopharmacology

Abstract

Background: Psilocybin, the primary psychoactive component of psychedelic ‘magic mushrooms’, may have potential for treating depressive symptoms, and consequent applications for bipolar disorder (BD). Knowledge of the risks and benefits of psilocybin in BD is limited to case studies. Aim: To support the design of clinical trials, we surveyed experiences of psilocybin use in people with BD. Methods: An international web-based survey was used to explore experiences of psilocybin use in people with a self-reported diagnosis of BD. Quantitative findings were summarised using descriptive statistics. Qualitative content analysis was used to investigate free-text responses, with a focus on positive experiences of psilocybin use. Results: A total of 541 people completed the survey (46.4% female, mean 34.1 years old). One-third (32.2%; n = 174) of respondents described new/increasing symptoms after psilocybin trips, prominently manic symptoms, difficulties sleeping and anxiety. No differences in rates of adverse events overall were observed between individuals with BD I compared to BD II. Use of emergency medical services was rare ( n = 18; 3.3%), and respondents (even those who experienced adverse effects) indicated that psilocybin use was more helpful than harmful. Quantitative findings elaborated on perceived benefits, as well as the potential for psilocybin trips to contain both positively and negatively received elements. Conclusions: The subjective benefits of psilocybin use for mental health symptoms reported by survey participants encourage further investigation of psilocybin-based treatments for BD. Clinical trials should incorporate careful monitoring of symptoms, as data suggest that BD symptoms may emerge or intensify following psilocybin use.

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  • Two qualitative analyses of follow-up interviews and web-survey of anecdotal use of psilocybin in individuals with putative BD reported that the drug was perceived to be more helpful than harmful.

    “Additionally, two qualitative analyses of follow-up interviews 88 and web-survey 89 of anecdotal use of psilocybin in individuals with putative BD reported that the drug was perceived to be more helpful than harmful.”

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Authors
Morton, E., Sakai, K., Ashtari, A., Pleet, M., Michalak, E. E., & Woolley, J.
Affiliations
  • University of British Columbia (CA)
  • University of California, San Francisco (US)
  • San Francisco VA Medical Center (US)
Corresponding author
Woolley, Josh
Venue
Journal of Psychopharmacology
Published
2022-12-14
Volume
37
Issue
1
Pages
49-60
ISSN
  • 0269-8811 (ISSN-L)
  • 1461-7285
OpenAlex
W4311477082
Cited by
78
References
82
Citations by year
2026: 16 · 2025: 22 · 2024: 33 · 2023: 6 · 2022: 1
FWCI
14.14
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Journal of Psychopharmacology (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
  • U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (IK4 CX002090)
  • Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Psychedelics and Drug Studies
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Bipolar Disorder and Treatment
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Schizophrenia research and treatment
Keywords
psilocybin, magic mushrooms, bipolar disorder, psychedelic therapy, adverse effects, manic symptoms, subjective benefit, emergency medical services, sleep disorders, anxiety, bipolar I and II, clinical trial design
MeSH terms
Adult, Agaricales, Bipolar Disorder, Female, Hallucinogens, Humans, Male, Psilocybin, Surveys and Questionnaires, Risk Assessment, Internet

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