Psychedelic use and bipolar disorder - An investigation of recreational use and its impact on mental health.

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.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Psychedelic substances such as psilocybin have recently gained attention for their potential therapeutic benefits in treating depression and other mental health problems. However, individuals with bipolar disorder (BD) have been excluded from most clinical trials due to concerns about manic switches or psychosis. This study aimed to systematically examine the effects of recreational psychedelic use in individuals with BD. Using the Timeline Followback (TLFB) method, we assessed mood symptoms, substance use, and other mental health-related variables in the month before and three months following participants' most recent psychedelic experience. Results showed a significant reduction in depressive symptoms and cannabis use, an increase in the number of days without mental health symptoms, and an increase in the number of days with hallucinogen use. Importantly, no significant changes in (hypo)manic, psychotic, or anxiety symptoms were observed. These findings suggest that psychedelics may hold potential as a safe and effective treatment for BD, though further research, including randomized controlled trials, is needed.