Suicide of a patient shortly after psilocybin-assisted psychedelic therapy: A case report
Felix Müller, Thomas Sauer, Corina Hänny, Markus Mühlhauser, Undine E. Lang
Psychiatry Research January 29, 2025 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2025.116381 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA 60-year-old man with recurrent depression and a history of delusions died after psilocybin-assisted therapy. Psilocybin-triggered delusions and emotional dysregulation may have contributed to the death. A weak therapeutic alliance hindered assessment of the patient's internal state. Delusional symptoms may contraindicate psychedelic interventions. The case emphasizes the need for thorough assessment and close follow-up in complex cases.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Case study Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1 |
| Population | 60-year-old man with recurrent depression and history of delusions |
| Intervention | psilocybin-assisted therapy |
| Topics | Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Hallucinogen Telepathy Psychology Psychotherapist |
| Citations | 11 |
| Key finding | Psilocybin-triggered delusions and emotional dysregulation may have contributed to the death of a patient with recurrent depression and history of delusions. |
Abstract
• A 60-year-old man with recurrent depression and history of delusions died after psilocybin-assisted therapy. • Psilocybin-triggered delusions and emotional dysregulation may have contributed. • Weak therapeutic alliance hindered assessment of patient's internal state. • Delusional symptoms may contraindicate psychedelic interventions. • This case emphasizes the need for thorough assessment and close follow-up in complex cases.