Drug-induced psychosis following use of Ayahuasca: a presentation to forensic psychiatric services.
BMJ case reports August 14, 2024 Morven Rosemary Baker, Christopher Iain O'Shea 1 citation
A man with no prior psychiatric risk factors or criminal history developed a lasting psychotic episode after using ayahuasca, a plant-based psychedelic containing DMT. During the episode he seriously assaulted a relative and was admitted to a forensic psychiatric unit. Treatment with the antipsychotic aripiprazole resolved his psychotic symptoms, and recovery was sustained 18 months after admission. Previous case reports described psychosis after ayahuasca use but typically brief and in people with personal or family psychiatric history or other substance use. This case highlights that ayahuasca can trigger prolonged psychosis and risk of violence even in low-risk individuals.