This qualitative analysis of Erowid.org experience reports (n=279) examines the temporal structure (organisation of time) of psilocybin experiences, focusing on the ‘come-up’ and ‘come-down’ phases. The study finds that the onset phase typically resembles an acute stress reaction with negative feelings. In contrast, the descending phase is characterised by positive feelings similar to post-stress recovery, suggesting a potentially important therapeutic mechanism.
Abstract of A qualitative analysis of the psychedelic mushroom come-up and come-down
“Psychedelic therapy has the potential to become a revolutionary and transdiagnostic mental health treatment, yielding enduring benefits that are often attributed to the experiences that coincide with peak psychedelic effects. However, there may be an underrecognized temporal structure to this process that helps explain why psychedelic and related altered states of consciousness can have an initially distressing but ultimately distress-resolving effect. Here we present a qualitative analysis of the self-reported ‘come-up’ or onset phase, and ‘come-down’ or falling phase, of the psychedelic experience. Focusing on psilocybin or psilocybin-containing mushroom experience reports submitted to Erowid.org, we use phenomenological, thematic content and word frequency analysis to show that the come-up is more often characterized by negatively valenced feeling states that resemble an acute stress reaction, while the come-down phase is more often characterized by positively valenced feeling states of the sort often observed following recovery from illness or resolution of stress. The therapeutic and theoretical relevance of these findings are discussed.”
Authors: Ari Brouwer, Joshua K. Brown, Earth Erowid, Fire Erowid, Sylvia Thyssen, Charles L. Raison & Robin L. Carhart-Harris
Summary of A qualitative analysis of the psychedelic mushroom come-up and come-down
Psychedelic therapy has garnered significant attention for its potential as a transformative mental health treatment, offering enduring benefits. Traditionally, the therapeutic effects of psychedelics have been attributed to the peak experiences they induce. However, the authors propose that the temporal structure of the psychedelic journey, particularly the come-up and come-down phases, plays a crucial role in the overall therapeutic process. They suggest that understanding these phases can elucidate why psychedelic experiences might initially be distressing but ultimately lead to resolution and healing.
Methods
The researchers conducted a qualitative analysis of self-reported experiences with psilocybin-containing mushrooms, sourced from Erowid.org, a reputable online repository of psychoactive substance experiences. They employed phenomenological methods to capture the essence of participants’ lived experiences during the come-up and come-down phases. Thematic content analysis was utilized to identify recurring themes and patterns within the narratives. Additionally, word frequency analysis provided quantitative insights into the prominence of specific emotions and sensations reported during these phases.
Results
Come-Up Phase
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A qualitative analysis of the psychedelic mushroom come-up and come-down
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11802880/
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Cite this paper (APA)
Brouwer, A., Brown, J. K., Erowid, E., Erowid, F., Thyssen, S., Raison, C. L., & Carhart-Harris, R. L. (2025). A qualitative analysis of the psychedelic mushroom come-up and come-down. NPJ Mental Health Research, 4(1), 6.
Institutes
Institutes associated with this publication
ErowidErowid is the original (1995), and still highly regarded, website that documents drugs and their uses. It provides non-judgmental information. Although great in value, the site can sometimes be difficult to navigate.