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Emma Morton

5 papers in the library · 114 citations · publishing 2022-2026

Papers

Risks and benefits of psilocybin use in people with bipolar disorder: An international web-based survey on experiences of ‘magic mushroom’ consumption

Journal of Psychopharmacology December 14, 2022 Emma Morton, Kimberly Sakai, Amir Ashtari et al. 75 citations

A web-based survey of 541 people with bipolar disorder who had used psilocybin found that one-third reported new or worsening symptoms afterward, especially manic symptoms, insomnia, and anxiety. No difference in adverse event rates emerged between bipolar I and bipolar II. Emergency medical care was rare (3.3%). Despite adverse effects, respondents rated psilocybin use as more helpful than harmful. The findings suggest psilocybin may offer subjective mental health benefits for some people with bipolar disorder, but clinical trials should closely monitor symptoms because they may emerge or intensify.

DOI: 10.1177/02698811221131997 Psilocybin Bipolar disorder Mushroom poisoning Psychiatry +5

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

PLoS ONE December 14, 2022 Meghan DellaCrosse, Mollie Pleet, Emma Morton et al. 28 citations

Adults with bipolar disorder who used psilocybin-containing mushrooms reported both benefits and risks. Benefits included reduced depression severity, improved emotion processing, new perspectives, and better relaxation and sleep. Risks included changes in sleep, increased mania severity, hospitalization, and distressing sensory experiences. Contextual factors such as poly-substance use, psilocybin dose, solo versus social use, and pre-use sleep deprivation influenced outcomes. The findings highlight the need for carefully designed clinical trials to assess safety and preliminary efficacy of psilocybin therapy in this population.

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279073 Psilocybin Mental health Bipolar disorder Hypomania +7

Content analysis of Reddit posts about coadministration of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and psilocybin mushrooms.

Psychopharmacology August 1, 2024 Kimberly Sakai, Ellen R Bradley, Joseph A Zamaria et al. 10 citations

People who take SSRIs and use psilocybin mushrooms together often report a less intense psychedelic experience, though many report no change in intensity. About 8% of Reddit posts describing coadministration mention negative physical or psychological effects, including a small number of reports that may indicate serotonin toxicity and one possible psychotic or manic episode. The interactions appear complex and likely depend on multiple factors. Prospective studies are needed to determine whether psilocybin treatments are safe and effective for people using SSRIs.

DOI: 10.1007/s00213-024-06585-x Full text Psilocybin Serotonin Drug-drug interactions Psychedelics magic mushrooms +6

5 Years of bipolar disorder conversations on Reddit: Methods, key topics and future directions

PLoS ONE March 6, 2026 Caden Poh, Cheyanne Head, John-Jose Nunez et al. 1 citation

People with bipolar disorder and their supporters most frequently ask about misdiagnosis and differential diagnoses, according to an analysis of over 2,000 questions submitted during five years of online Reddit AMA events. Other common topics include coping with daily struggles, understanding hypomania and suicidality, medication and use of substances like psilocybin and ketamine, and supporting loved ones with the condition. The findings suggest that future research and clinical conversations should address these prioritized areas to better meet the needs of individuals with bipolar disorder.

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0338622