Worsening Suicidal Thoughts After Psilocybin Treatment: A Case Study
Author Information
Author(s): Wahba Mourad, Hayes Caroline, Kletter Maartje, McAllister-Williams R. Hamish
Primary Institution: Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
Hypothesis
Can psilocybin administration lead to adverse events such as increased suicidal ideation in clinical settings?
Conclusion
Psilocybin can temporarily worsen suicidal ideation and cause prolonged adverse events, while also leading to improvements in functional outcomes not captured by depression rating scales.
Supporting Evidence
- Psilocybin can lead to temporary worsening of suicidal ideation.
- Participants may experience prolonged adverse reactions following psilocybin experiences.
- Some patients classified as 'non-responders' can have positive outcomes not reflected in quantitative data.
Takeaway
This study shows that taking psilocybin can make some people feel worse for a while, even if it helps them in other ways later on.
Methodology
The case was summarized and the participant's written account was thematically analyzed and synthesized into a logic model.
Potential Biases
The participant may have guessed she received an active dose, which could affect her reported outcomes.
Limitations
This is a single case report, limiting the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
The participant had a history of recurrent depression and social anxiety disorder.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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