Persisting Psychological Complications Following the Use of Classic Psychedelics: A Qualitative Study of Help-Seeking Experiences
Lisa Maria Jöbstl, Bente Lubahn, Ebru Kaya, Georg Leistenschneider, Marija Franka Žuljević, Thomas Riemer, Dario Jalilzadeh Masah, Derin Marbin, Barbara Stöckigt, Tomislav Majić
medRxiv Preprint Server May 23, 2026 preprint DOI: 10.64898/2026.05.23.26353427 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Qualitative |
|---|---|
| Key findings | Persisting adverse effects such as HPPD, DDD, anxiety, and depression occur in some non-clinical users of classic psychedelics, yet few medical services are prepared to manage these complications. |
Abstract
Background While growing enthusiasm for the therapeutic potential of classic psychedelics has led to a rise in non-clinical use, attention to persisting adverse effects has emerged with delay. A subset of individuals reports persisting complications such as hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD), depersonalization/derealization disorder (DDD), anxiety and depression. Yet few medical services are equipped to address these complications.