Observational · 2025
People with bipolar disorder who used psychedelics vs. those only considering it
- Original title
- Contemplating versus having used psychedelics in bipolar disorder - What makes the difference?
- Authors
- Vale LN, Ibrahim M, Fávaro-Pereira L, et al.
- Journal
- Journal of affective disorders, 2025
- Molecules
- Psilocybin, LSD
- Conditions
- Other
- Evidence grade
- Low
- Source
- Read the original paper
The question
Among people with bipolar disorder, how do those who have already taken a classic psychedelic differ from those who are only thinking about it? The researchers looked at motivations, expectations and personality.
What they did
This was an observational study of people diagnosed with bipolar disorder. One group had used a classic psychedelic (psilocybin or LSD); the other group was considering using one in the near future. The two groups were compared on background characteristics, personality, attitudes to psychedelics, reasons for wanting to use them, and mental health measures. The abstract does not report how many people took part.
What they found
The two groups did not differ on social or demographic characteristics, or on mental health measures. Those who had used psychedelics held more positive attitudes towards them and scored higher on the personality trait ‘openness to experience’, meaning a stronger interest in new ideas and experiences. They also endorsed certain reasons for use more strongly. Those who were only considering use voiced more worry about possible negative effects and outcomes.
The fine print
This was a snapshot comparison, not a trial, so it cannot show whether psychedelics changed anyone’s attitudes or their mental health; the authors note positive views could have followed from the experience itself, or come first. Participants chose to take part and reported on themselves, which favours people already interested in the topic. The abstract gives no sample size, no measure of effect size, and no safety data such as rates of manic or psychotic symptoms. This summary is based on the abstract alone.
What it means
Among people with bipolar disorder, prior psychedelic experience goes along with more positive views and different motivations, while those still deciding focus on the risks. The authors suggest these are the areas worth discussing with patients, including those considering a clinical trial.
Evidence grade: Low. An observational study comparing self-selected groups using self-reported measures, with no randomization, no control over exposure, and no participant numbers given in the abstract.
This summary is based on the study’s published abstract.