Persisting Psychological Complications Following the Use of Classic Psychedelics: A Qualitative Study of Help-Seeking Experiences
medRxiv Preprint Server May 23, 2026 Lisa Maria Jöbstl, Bente Lubahn, Ebru Kaya et al. preprint
A subset of individuals who use classic psychedelics outside clinical settings reports persisting adverse effects, including hallucinogen persisting perception disorder, depersonalization/derealization disorder, anxiety, and depression. Despite growing non-clinical use, few medical services are equipped to address these complications. The authors highlight a delay in attention to these persisting adverse effects relative to enthusiasm for therapeutic potential.