Louis A. Faillace Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1941 East Rd, Houston, TX 77054, USA. Electronic address: Lauren.N.Vale@uth.tmc.edu.
3 papers in the library · 7 citations · publishing 2025-2026
People with bipolar disorder have been excluded from most psychedelic research due to concerns about triggering mania or psychosis. This study used the Timeline Followback method to assess mood symptoms, substance use, and mental health in individuals with bipolar disorder one month before and three months after their most recent recreational psychedelic experience. Depressive symptoms and cannabis use significantly decreased, and the number of days without mental health symptoms increased. There were no significant changes in manic, psychotic, or anxiety symptoms. The findings suggest psychedelics may be safe and potentially beneficial for bipolar disorder, but randomized controlled trials are needed.
People with bipolar disorder who have used classic psychedelics like psilocybin or LSD hold more positive attitudes toward these substances and score higher on openness to experience compared to those who are only considering use. The two groups do not differ in sociodemographic background or mental health status. Those who have used psychedelics endorse certain motives for use more strongly, while those contemplating use express greater concerns about potential negative effects. The findings suggest that prior psychedelic experience shapes perceptions and motivations, and highlight topics for discussion with individuals with bipolar disorder who may consider psychedelic use, including in clinical trials.
A protocol describes an upcoming feasibility study testing psilocybin-assisted therapy in 10 outpatients with bipolar II disorder who have mild to moderate passive suicidal thoughts. Participants may receive two oral doses of 25 mg psilocybin about four weeks apart, combined with a structured mindfulness-based cognitive-behavioral therapy protocol. The study aims to assess the acceptability and safety of this approach, measuring changes in suicidality and depressive symptoms, and to gather preliminary data for a future randomized trial. Individuals with bipolar disorder and suicidality have typically been excluded from psilocybin trials due to safety concerns.