Traumatic Psychedelic Experiences.
Abigail E. Calder, Vincent J Diehl, Gregor Hasler
Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences April 29, 2025 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2025_579 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | PTSD |
| Keywords | Acute stress disorder Adverse effects Post-traumatic growth Post-trip difficulties Trauma-related symptoms Traumatic psychedelic experiences |
| Citations | 14 |
| Key findings | Traumatic psychedelic experiences are rare, extreme, and largely preventable, but can lead to prolonged trauma-related symptoms in some individuals. |
Abstract
Psychedelic experiences involving extreme feelings of horror, helplessness, and perceived threats can be traumatizing. Traumatic psychedelic experiences are a rare, extreme, and largely preventable form of challenging experience which can arise due to frightening psychedelic drug effects, unsafe settings, and emergence of pre-existing trauma. Some people recover quickly, but others develop prolonged anxiety, sleep disturbances, derealization, or other potentially trauma-related symptoms. This chapter discusses the causes, phenomenology, and potential outcomes of traumatic psychedelic experiences, as well as how to prevent them and minimize their negative impact.