The answer to this question is not a simple
yes or no, however for the average person with no emotional or
psychological problems or any family history of mental illness the
answer is surely an un-equivocal no. As we move in the direction of
individuals with mental problems such as paranoia or schizophrenia the
answer to the question becomes a bit more vague. The best
recommendation for people with mental problems of any type is to
abstain from indulgence in magic mushrooms. As for during the
experience people can "act" insane to an outside observer and return
feeling as though nothing were awry.
Responses to the hallucinogens depend on
several factors, including the user's expectations, his ability to cope
with perceptual distortions, and the setting. Untoward reactions
(anxiety attacks, extreme apprehensiveness, or panic states) to
psilocybin mushrooms are quite rare. Most often, these reactions
quickly subside with appropriate management in a secure setting. This
is why trip sitter is recommended. However, some persons (especially
after using LSD) remain disturbed and may show a persistent psychotic
state. Whether drug use has precipitated or uncovered a preexisting
psychotic potential or can produce this state in a previously stable
person is yet unresolved.
Some persons, especially those who are
long-term or repeat users of hallucinogenic drugs (particularly LSD),
may experience apparent drug effects long after they have discontinued
drug use. These episodes (flashbacks) most commonly consist of visual
illusions but can include distortions of virtually any sensation
(including self-image or perceptions of time or space) and
hallucinations. Flashbacks can be precipitated by use of marijuana,
alcohol, or barbiturates or by stress or fatigue or can occur without
apparent reason. The mechanisms of flashbacks are not known. Flashbacks
tend to subside within 6 to 12 months.
Sources:
The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy
Working With Difficult Psychedelic Experiences
Discuss at The Shroomery BB
