The many faces of psilocybin-related psychosis: A case series
Yumin Kim, Rachel Bigley, Aubrey DeVinney, Paul S. Nestadt
Psychiatry Research Case Reports December 7, 2024 DOI: 10.1016/j.psycr.2024.100243 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractThree cases from a dual diagnosis inpatient psychiatry unit in 2023 illustrate distinct adverse effects of psilocybin use. Intermittent use led to prolonged psychosis requiring higher and longer neuroleptic treatment; frequent short-term use culminated in paranoia and a serious suicide attempt treated with neuroleptics; long-term microdosing preceded mania-like symptoms—grandiosity, irritability, physical aggression—that resolved after stopping psilocybin. As psilocybin becomes more accepted and prevalent, clinicians lack guidelines for managing its complications. This case series describes varied presentations, management strategies, and treatment responses to provide insight into this unknown territory.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Case series Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 3 |
| Population | Patients in a dual diagnosis inpatient psychiatry unit |
| Intervention | neuroleptic medication |
| Citations | 4 |
| Key finding | Psilocybin use was associated with prolonged psychosis, paranoia leading to suicide attempt, and mania-like symptoms, with varying treatment responses. |
Abstract
Psilocybin use has been increasingly popular in the United States, and its use as a novel therapeutic treatment for psychiatric conditions has led to greater public acceptance as a recreational substance. Consequently, clinicians are faced with managing complications and adverse effects associated with psilocybin use. We present three cases seen in a dual diagnosis inpatient psychiatry unit during a four-week period in 2023: Case 1: the case of intermittent psilocybin use associated with a particularly prolonged psychosis requiring treatment with higher doses and a longer course of neuroleptic medication; Case 2: the case of a short period of frequent psilocybin use culminating into increasing paranoia and a medically serious suicide attempt treated with neuroleptics; and Case 3: the case of long-term “microdosing” followed by mania-like symptoms including grandiosity, irritability, and physical aggression towards others, but with resolution of symptoms after discontinuing psilocybin use. Amidst psilocybin's increasing prevalence and acceptance, clinicians are faced with managing the complications and adverse effects of psilocybin use with minimal guidelines or evidence. This case series aims to highlight varied presentations, management strategies, and treatment responses to contribute some insight into this unknown territory.