Acute Effects and Long-Term Neuropsychological Consequences of Classic Psychedelics Use

Psychedelics are gaining attention for their potential as therapeutic adjuncts for the treatment of psychological disorders. Additionally, the recreational use of these substances has been rising for the past years. In the context of a comprehensive analysis of potential harms induced by these substances, concerns regarding the cognitive and neuropsychological impact of their use remain. This chapter explores the acute, subacute, and long-term neuropsychological consequences of psychedelic use. Studies show that neuropsychological performance, especially attention and working memory, is reduced under the influence of a psychedelic. While not harmful in itself, this effect poses potential risks when combined with high-risk environments, such as road traffic. While these acute impairments seem to disappear on the day after psychedelic use, there is limited evidence that some impairments in executive functioning can persist for up to 24 h. Thus, caution is not only warranted during psychedelic use but also for the following day. In contrast, psychedelics do not seem to induce persistent changes in neuropsychological performance through repeated use, indicating no direct neuropsychological harms. However, further research is required to clarify the differential effects of various psychedelic substances and to assess the impact of chronic use across different contexts.