Research Topic: adverse effects

A sense of the bigger picture: A qualitative analysis of follow-up interviews with people with bipolar disorder who self-reported psilocybin use

This research explored how 15 people with bipolar disorder who used psilocybin mushrooms experienced the effects. Many reported benefits like reduced depression and improved outlook on life, but some experienced negative effects including sleep problems and increased manic episodes. The study identified important factors that influenced outcomes, such as whether people used other drugs simultaneously, whether they used psilocybin alone or with others, and how much sleep they had before use. The researchers concluded that while psilocybin shows promise for bipolar depression, more careful clinical research is needed to ensure safety.

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A Terrible Trip: Tubulointerstitial Nephritis and Uveitis Syndrome Triggered by Psilocybe Mushroom Ingestion

A patient experienced serious kidney and eye inflammation after ingesting psilocybe mushrooms, which are known for their hallucinogenic properties. This rare combination of symptoms, called TINU syndrome, had not been previously associated with mushroom use. The case highlights an unexpected and serious health risk from consuming hallucinogenic mushrooms, suggesting that the active compounds may trigger severe inflammatory responses in some individuals.

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Psychedelic iatrogenic structural dissociation: an exploratory hypothesis on dissociative risks in psychedelic use

This paper explores potential risks of psychedelic use in people who have experienced trauma, proposing that psychedelics might reactivate unprocessed traumatic memories and cause psychological instability. The authors suggest that while psychedelics show promise for treating depression and PTSD, people with trauma histories need careful screening and support before, during, and after use. They recommend body-focused therapies and strong social support to help safely integrate traumatic material that might surface during psychedelic experiences.

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Associations between psychedelic-related and meditation-related variables: A longitudinal study

This study of over 13,000 people examined how using psychedelics relates to meditation practices. Researchers found that people who used psychedelics during the study period increased their meditation practice more than those who didn’t. Importantly, people who already had higher levels of mindfulness and self-compassion before using psychedelics had less difficult experiences during their use. However, among people who were already meditating regularly, psychedelic use was linked to more difficulties during meditation.

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Psychedelics: Safety and Efficacy

This paper reviews scientific research on psychedelic drugs like LSD and psilocybin that are being studied for treating depression and PTSD. While some research claims these drugs are beneficial, many studies have serious flaws including hiding negative side effects and being influenced by money from pharmaceutical companies. The author concludes that we need much better research before these drugs can be safely approved for medical use.

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Psilocybin therapy and anorexia nervosa: a narrative review of safety considerations for researchers and clinicians

This review examines the safety of psilocybin therapy for treating anorexia nervosa, a serious eating disorder with limited treatment options. The authors analyze how psilocybin’s common side effects (like increased heart rate, nausea, and dizziness) interact with medical complications already present in people with anorexia. Based on early clinical trials, they conclude that psilocybin can be safely used in this population with proper medical screening and monitoring protocols tailored to their specific vulnerabilities.

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Prediction of hallucinogen persisting perception disorder and thought disturbance symptoms following psychedelic use

Researchers followed 654 people planning to use psychedelics and measured their thinking patterns before and after. They found that delusional thinking actually decreased after use, while about one-third experienced visual effects like seeing trails or intensified colors. However, very few people (less than 1%) found these visual effects bothersome. Younger people, women, and those with psychiatric history were more likely to experience these visual effects.

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Recalled childhood trauma and post-psychedelic trajectories of change in a mixed-methods study

This study examined how childhood trauma can resurface during psychedelic experiences and what happens afterward. Researchers surveyed over 600 people who had difficult experiences after using psychedelics, and interviewed 18 of them in detail. They found that trauma surfaced in different ways—some people vividly relived events, others felt intense bodily sensations, and some experienced confusion. About half of participants found healing from the experience, while others struggled with ongoing trauma symptoms or mixed outcomes. The research emphasizes the importance of proper preparation, supportive settings, and follow-up integration work to help people process these experiences safely.

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