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Prolonged adverse effects from repeated psilocybin use in an underground psychedelic therapy training program: a case
John Perna1, Justin Trop1, Roman Palitsky1,2,3
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
BMC Psychiatry
|February 28, 2025
Summary
Psychedelic therapy training can lead to prolonged adverse effects (PAEs), such as severe sleep impairment and suicidal ideation. Prompt psychiatric intervention, like electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), is crucial for recovery, despite potential conflicts with psychedelic community practices.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Psychedelic-assisted therapy is gaining interest for mental health treatment.
- Training programs for psychedelic therapy are emerging, including unregulated 'underground' options.
- Prolonged adverse experiences (PAEs) from psychedelic use are poorly understood but critical to study.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a case study of prolonged adverse effects during psychedelic therapy training.
- To highlight potential conflicts between psychiatric care and psychedelic community practices.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a psychologist undergoing psilocybin-containing mushroom training.
- Detailed description of adverse effects, treatment, and resolution.
Main Results:
- The patient developed severe sleep impairment, anhedonia, and suicidal ideation after repeated high-dose psilocybin use.
- Psychiatric treatment was delayed due to trainers' advice against seeking support.
- Symptoms resolved following electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
Conclusions:
- This case illustrates tensions between legal/underground psychedelic training, psychiatry, and neo-shamanism.
- Clinicians must recognize potential conflicts impacting patient care and decision-making.
- Awareness of these conflicts is vital for managing PAEs in psychedelic therapy training.
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