Extended difficulties after psychedelic experiences: Prevalence and associations in a global, multilingual sample.

Area of Science:

• Psychopharmacology and mental health research.
• Investigating the impact of psychedelic substances on psychological well-being.

Background:

• Psychedelic use is increasing, necessitating an understanding of potential adverse outcomes.
• Integration into mainstream medicine requires knowledge of post-psychedelic effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence, characteristics, and associations of extended difficulties following psychedelic use.
• To identify factors linked to clinically relevant disruptive difficulties after psychedelic experiences.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the Global Psychedelic Survey (GPS) 2025, a multilingual online survey.
• Analyzed retrospective reports from 6,476 participants who have used psychedelics.

Main Results:

• 48.3% reported difficulties lasting ≥24 hours; 9.9% experienced difficulties >1 year.
• Most common: existential struggle (36.6%), depression (34%), derealization (29.4%).
• Clinically relevant difficulties (8%) associated with younger age, lower income, less support, lower emotional stability, and pre-existing anxiety/depression.

Conclusions:

• Psychedelic use can lead to significant and prolonged adverse psychological outcomes.
• Evidence-based education, safety guidelines, and support services are essential for psychedelic interventions and post-use care.