Prolonged hallucinations and dissociative self mutilation following use of Salvia divinorum in a bipolar adolescent girl

Abstract

The case of a bipolar 17-year-old girl who developed prolonged vivid hallucinations and a dissociative state involving self-destructive behaviour following the use of Salvia divinorum is presented. The herb has mostly short-term (10–15 min) hallucinogenic properties. Salvatorin A, the main active compound, is a highly selective agonist of the kappa-opioid receptor. The plant is available at tobacco or other specialized stores in many countries such as France, UK, Canada, and USA, where it is legal. The clinical case reported in this article suggests that the recreational use of Salvia divinorum may result in serious psychiatric consequences in vulnerable individuals.

Keywords:

• Adolescents
• Salvia divinorum
• prolonged hallucinations
• dissociative state
• bipolarity