Analysis of mushroom exposures in texas requiring hospitalization, 2005–2006

Abstract

Introduction:Texas has approximately 200 species of wild mushrooms, including toxic and hallucinogenic varieties. Mushroom ingestions in Texas were studied for [2005][2006].Methods: Data was obtained via Texas Poison Control Centers and retrospectively reviewed. Case notes were reviewed individually regarding initial reporting, age, signs and symptoms, toxic effect, management, and patient outcomes.Results: A total of 742 exposures occurred during the study period. All exposures were acute and intentional. Of these exposures, 59 (7.9%) were admitted to the hospital, with 17 (28.8% of admissions) requiring admission to a critical care unit. Four cases required inpatient psychiatric admission. The average age of admitted exposures was 20.5 years, with a male-to-female predominance of 3.3:1. Eleven (22.9%) of the admitted exposures were identified, with Psilocybin being the most common agent (n = 10, 91%). Among the admissions, co-ingestions were identified with the mushroom ingestion in eleven patients (40.7%). The most common symptoms in admitted patients were vomiting (n = 34, 57.6%), nausea (n = 19, 32.2%), altered mental status (n = 17, 28.8%), abdominal pain (n = 13, 22%), and diarrhea (n = 10, 16.9%).Conclusions: All mushroom exposures examined were acute and intentional. Major toxic reactions were uncommon, and no deaths were reported. Serious poisoning from mushroom ingestion is rare in Texas; however, there is greater need for information dissemination on morbidity.

Psychedelics

“…Data for 2005 to 2006 from the Texas Poison Control Centers were reviewed for mushroom exposures (Barbee et al, 2009). There were a total of 742 exposures, which were all acute and intentional.…”

Psychometric modeling of abuse and dependence symptoms across six illicit substances indicates novel dimensions of misuse

“…The strong loadings of these items seems counterintuitive because hallucinogens are typically not associated with physical dependence (39), but they may relate to nausea which is a common side-effect of many hallucinogenic compounds (e.g. mushrooms(40) ). This anomaly may reflect study participants interpreting these items to mean that hallucinogenic experiences lasted longer than desired, perhaps related to the commonly occurring panic symptom colloquially known as a "bad trip"(41).…”

Mushroom poisoning: retrospective analysis of 294 cases

“…It is estimated that there are over 5000 species of mushroom worldwide 2. Foraging for wild mushrooms is popular in Europe, the United States and the Far East 8–12. The exact identification of mushroom species can be difficult.…”