Serotonergic psychedelics (e.g., MDMA, psilocybin) are thought to carry risks of precipitating, worsening, or unmasking mania in persons with bipolar conditions. For this reason, persons with bipolar conditions have largely been excluded from clinical trials and considered contraindicated from psychedelic use.

However, there is large variability in the severity and reasons for the mania that persons have experienced. Many persons with bipolar II conditions, that have only ever experienced hypomania, or persons that have experienced mania within other substance-induced or medical contexts that have since resolved, may still have a favorable risk – benefit balance for psychedelic therapy.

Today there is ongoing research to test the risk-benefit profile of psilocybin assisted therapy in persons currently experiencing depression with a history of bipolar II disorder. Ketamine has also been successfully used to treat refractory depression in persons with bipolar I and II disorders.

Careful evaluation of a person's history and medication regimen can likely offer several clues in helping gauge the risk and benefit balance of psychedelic use in persons with a history of (hypo)manic symptoms. In this workshop we will:

• Describe the spectrum of bipolar conditions as well as other substance and medication induced reasons that a person could experience symptoms of mania
• Discuss the neuropharmacologic rationale for why psychedelics may be able to worsen or precipitate occurrences of mania
• Review existing medical literature pertaining to psychedelic use in persons with a bipolar disorder
• Formulate a set of risk factors and questions to ask persons in interviews when considering psychedelic use in persons with a bipolar disorder
• Outline and discuss the drug interaction potential of mood stabilizers and atypical antipsychotics in conjunction with serotonergic psychedelics or ketamine

Registration is 20$ and includes access to a copy of the video recording, as well as downloadable PDF slides. Workshop consists of a 90 min lecture, 10-15 min case discussions, and 30 min Q&A session.

There will be no refunds issued if you register. Registration will trigger emails that have the workshop information containing the attendance link. The attendance link will also be available on the webpage immediately following registration. It is your responsibility to save the link if you'd like to return to the recording page. 

This webinar is for information and educational purposes only. It is not meant to condone or encourage the use of illicit substances. The information presented is not medical advice and should not be taken as such. It is recommended you follow laws applicable to your jurisdiction.