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Classifying Psychedelic-Related Complications
Tomislav Majić1,2, Euphrosyne Gouzoulis-Mayfrank3,4, Ricarda Evens5
1Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Campus Charité Mitte, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany. tomislav.majic@charite.de.
Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences
|February 26, 2026
Summary
Classic psychedelics like psilocybin and LSD show therapeutic promise but also risks. Understanding psychedelic complications is crucial for safe use in therapy and beyond.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience and Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Classic psychedelics (psilocybin, LSD, 5-MeO-DMT) show therapeutic potential for mental health.
- Overly optimistic media portrayal has led to increased non-clinical use and complications.
- Psychedelic risks are often underestimated by professionals and in research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of complications associated with classic psychedelic use.
- To discuss the attribution of psychedelic-related disorders to substance use.
- To consider the classification of psychedelic-related disorders in diagnostic systems.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical and current classification approaches for psychedelic complications.
- Analysis of the temporal dynamics of psychedelic effects (acute, subacute, long-term).
- Discussion of causal links between psychedelic use and disorders.
Main Results:
- Psychedelic effects unfold over time, with distinct acute, subacute, and long-term phases.
- A nuanced classification of psychedelic-related risks and harms is needed.
- Existing classifications may overlook specific psychedelic-related complications.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive classification system is essential for assessing psychedelic complications.
- Understanding temporal dynamics aids in managing risks and maximizing therapeutic benefits.
- This work provides a framework for safer psychedelic research, therapy, and non-medical use.
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