Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 12, 2025

Brain Morphology of Cannabis Users With or Without Psychosis: A Pilot MRI Study
Published on: August 18, 2020
Psychedelic use and psychiatric risks
Otto Simonsson1,2,3, Simon B Goldberg4, Richard Chambers5
1Center for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. otto.simonsson@ki.se.
Naturalistic psychedelic use is linked to more unusual visual experiences. It may also increase psychotic symptoms in those with a family history of psychotic or bipolar disorders, but not in others.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Neuroscience
- Psychopharmacology
Background:
- Psychedelics show promise for treating psychiatric disorders.
- Risks of naturalistic psychedelic use are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate associations between naturalistic psychedelic use and psychiatric risks.
- Examine links to unusual visual experiences and psychotic symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Surveyed a US adult population sample (N=2822).
- Assessed lifetime psychedelic use, visual experiences, and recent psychotic symptoms.
- Used covariate-adjusted regression models.
Main Results:
- Lifetime psychedelic use associated with more unusual visual experiences.
- No direct association found between psychedelic use and recent psychotic symptoms.
- Interaction observed: psychedelic use increased psychotic symptoms only with a family history of psychotic/bipolar disorders.
Conclusions:
- Naturalistic psychedelic use may correlate with increased visual disturbances.
- Individuals with a family history of psychotic or bipolar disorders may face higher risks for psychotic symptoms.
- Further research with longitudinal designs and genetic data is recommended.
More Related Videos
07:30HSV-Mediated Transgene Expression of Chimeric Constructs to Study Behavioral Function of GPCR Heteromers in Mice
Published on: July 9, 2016
05:52Handwriting Analysis Indicates Spontaneous Dyskinesias in Neuroleptic Naïve Adolescents at High Risk for Psychosis
Published on: November 21, 2013
Related Concept Videos
Hallucinogens and Psychedelics
Marijuana, derived from the dried leaves and flowers of the hemp plant, contains...
CNS Stimulants: Psychedelic Agents
Psychosurgery
Historical Development of Psychosurgery
In the 1930s, Portuguese neurologist Antonio Egas Moniz introduced a surgical procedure designed...
Psychosis and Antipsychotic Drugs: Overview
Antipsychotic Drugs: Therapeutic Uses and Side Effects
Despite these side effects, antipsychotics are used therapeutically for various purposes, including managing schizophrenia, preventing nausea and vomiting, curbing...
Psychosis: Goals of Pharmacotherapy