Self-reported negative outcomes of psilocybin users: A quantitative textual analysis

Psilocybin, found in psilocybe mushrooms, has low toxicity and addiction risk, but negative outcomes from its use are not well understood. Analyzing 346 self-reports from an online platform using textual analysis software, the study identified four main clusters: thinking distortions, emergencies, perceptual alterations, and substance administration. Bad trips were more frequent among female users and linked to thinking distortions. Using multiple doses in one session or combining psilocybin with other substances was associated with long-term negative outcomes, while single high doses of mushrooms were linked to medical emergencies. These findings can inform harm-reduction efforts.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Psilocybin, a substance mainly found in mushrooms of the genus psilocybe, has been historically used for ritualistic, recreational and, more recently, medicinal purposes. The scientific literature suggests low toxicity, low risk of addiction, overdose, or other causes of injury commonly caused by substances of abuse, with growing interest in the use of this substance for conditions such as treatment-resistant depression. However, the presence of negative outcomes linked to psilocybin use is not clear yet. The objective of this study is to investigate the negative effects of psilocybin consumption, according to the users' own perception through self-reports extracted from an online platform. 346 reports were analyzed with the assistance of the IRAMUTEQ textual analysis software, adopting the procedures of Descending Hierarchical Classification, Correspondence Factor Analysis and Specificities Analysis. The text segments were grouped in 4 main clusters, describing thinking distortions, emergencies, perceptual alterations and the administration of the substance. Bad trips were more frequent in female users, being associated with thinking distortions. The use of multiple doses of psilocybin in the same session or its combination with other substances was linked to the occurrence of long-term negative outcomes, while the use of mushrooms in single high doses was linked to medical emergencies. These results can be useful for a better understanding of the effects of psilocybin use, guiding harm-reduction initiatives.