Insights into psilocybin use among people with bipolar disorder: A thematic analysis of Reddit posts
Laura Mills, Susan L. Rossell, Sean Carruthers
Journal of Affective Disorders January 20, 2026 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2026.121220 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Thematic analysis Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 354 |
| Population | Reddit users with bipolar disorder who shared first-hand psilocybin experiences |
| Intervention | Psilocybin |
| Topics | Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Thematic analysis Mania Psychosis Bipolar disorder Perspective graphical Hallucinogen Depression economics Clinical psychology Paranoia Focus group Psychotic depression Psychotherapist Schizophrenia object-oriented programming |
| Key points | Psilocybin use among individuals with bipolar disorder is linked to both reduced depression and perspective shifts, as well as increased mania, psychosis, and depression. |
Abstract
Psilocybin has been reported to decrease depression symptoms among individuals with bipolar disorder (BD), but has also been associated with reports of mania, psychosis and increased depression. With increasing recreational use of psilocybin, and the potential for psilocybin to be used as a treatment for depression, a better understanding of the risks and benefits of this psychedelic among individuals with BD is warranted. Individuals have used social media sites like Reddit to share their experiences with psilocybin, providing an opportunity to understand a range of perspectives and experiences. The current study aimed to further explore psilocybin experiences as shared on Reddit, with a focus on posts related to BD. A thematic analysis of Reddit posts and comments was undertaken, with a focus on those identified with search terms, "bipolar" AND "psilocybin" OR "mushrooms". A total of 354 comments with a first-hand psilocybin experience were identified and included in the thematic analysis which revealed four core themes: (1) mania, (2) depression, (3) mixed experiences, and (4) broader perspectives. Psilocybin was reported to have benefits in some comments, including reduced depression symptoms and shifts in perspective about oneself and/or the world. However, reports of increased or new mania and psychosis symptoms were also reported, as well as increased depression. While psilocybin may benefit some individuals with BD, there may be potential for increased mania, psychosis and depression symptoms. Understanding the factors that contribute positive and negative outcomes among individuals with BD will be important in future research.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on psilocybin, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patients’ Accounts of Increased “Connectedness” and “Acceptance” After Psilocybin for Treatment-Resistant Depression Patients with treatment-resistant depression enrolled in an open-label trial of psilocybin | 2017 | Qualitative study | n = 20 |
| Patient Experiences of Psilocybin-Assisted Psychotherapy: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Adults aged 22 to 69 with clinically elevated anxiety associated with a cancer diagnosis | 2017 | Qualitative study | n = 13 |
| Psychedelic therapy for smoking cessation: Qualitative analysis of participant accounts Participants who completed a psilocybin-facilitated smoking cessation pilot study | 2018 | Qualitative follow-up study using semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis | n = 12 |
| Response of cluster headache to psilocybin and LSD Cluster headache patients who used psilocybin or LSD | 2006 | Qualitative study | n = 53 |
| Cancer at the Dinner Table: Experiences of Psilocybin-Assisted Psychotherapy for the Treatment of Cancer-Related Distress Adult participants with clinically elevated anxiety associated with a cancer diagnosis | 2017 | Qualitative study using interpretative phenomenological analysis | n = 13 |
Citations in the library
Cites 19
- Psilocybin produces substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer: A randomized double-blind trial Journal of Psychopharmacology November 30, 2016
- Single-Dose Psilocybin for a Treatment-Resistant Episode of Major Depression. New England Journal of Medicine November 3, 2022
- Mystical-type experiences occasioned by psilocybin mediate the attribution of personal meaning and spiritual significance 14 months later Journal of Psychopharmacology May 30, 2008
- Survey study of challenging experiences after ingesting psilocybin mushrooms: Acute and enduring positive and negative consequences Journal of Psychopharmacology August 31, 2016
- Serotonin toxicity of serotonergic psychedelics Psychopharmacology July 12, 2021
and 14 more in the library