“A sense of the bigger picture:” A qualitative analysis of follow-up interviews with people with bipolar disorder who self-reported psilocybin use
Meghan DellaCrosse, Mollie Pleet, Emma Morton, Amir Ashtari, Kimberly Sakai, Josh Woolley, Erin E. Michalak
PLoS One December 14, 2022 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279073 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study with reflexive thematic analysis Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 15 |
| Population | Adults with bipolar disorder who consumed psilocybin-containing mushrooms |
| Intervention | psilocybin-containing mushrooms |
| Topics | Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Mental health Bipolar disorder Hypomania Thematic analysis Clinical psychology Psychosocial Mood Hallucinogen |
| Citations | 28 |
| Key findings | Psilocybin use in adults with bipolar disorder was associated with both mental health improvements and adverse effects, including increased mania severity and hospitalization. |
Abstract
Objectives: People with bipolar disorder (BD) spend more time depressed than manic/hypomanic, and depression is associated with greater impairments in psychosocial functioning and quality of life than mania/hypomania. Emerging evidence suggests psilocybin, the psychoactive compound in “magic mushrooms,” is a promising treatment for unipolar depression. Clinical trials of psilocybin therapy have excluded people with BD as a precaution against possible adverse effects (e.g., mania). Our study centered the experiences of adults living with BD who consumed psilocybin-containing mushrooms, and aimed to (1) understand its subjective impacts on BD symptoms, (2) deepen understanding of Phase I survey results, and (3) elucidate specific contextual factors associated with adverse reactions in naturalistic settings.
Methods: Following an international survey (Phase I), follow-up interviews were conducted with 15 respondents (Phase II) to further understand psilocybin use among adults with BD. As part of a larger mixed-methods explanatory sequential design study, reflexive thematic analysis was used to elaborate findings.
Results: Three major themes containing sub-themes were developed. (1) Mental Health Improvements: (1.1) decreased impact and severity of depression, (1.2) increased emotion processing, (1.3) development of new perspectives, and (1.4) greater relaxation and sleep. (2) Undesired Mental Health Impacts: (2.1) changes in sleep, (2.2) increased mania severity, (2.3) hospitalization, and (2.4) distressing sensory experiences. (3) Salient Contextual Factors for psilocybin use included: (3.1) poly-substance use and psilocybin dose, (3.2) solo versus social experiences, and (3.3) pre-psilocybin sleep deprivation.
Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate both benefits and risks of psilocybin use in this population. Carefully designed clinical trials focused on safety and preliminary efficacy are warranted.