#Drugresearch

A recent study in the Journal of Psychedelic Studies sheds light on the lingering psychological challenges some people experience after psychedelic experiences and what helps most. The research highlights that while anxiety and panic attacks can be disruptive, existential struggles and reduced self-esteem often persist for more than a year.

As global interest in psychedelic-assisted therapy grows, these findings are timely for health professionals and the public, including those in Thailand where discussions about alternative mental health treatments are expanding. Prior work has shown that a portion of users—estimates range from 5% to 25%—continue to deal with psychological effects long after their initial experience. Understanding these risks is essential for Thai healthcare providers and communities.

A groundbreaking new study published this week in the Journal of Psychedelic Studies offers one of the clearest views yet into the lingering psychological challenges some individuals face after using psychedelic drugs like psilocybin, LSD, and ayahuasca—and what helps them cope. Researchers found that while anxiety and panic attacks are among the most disruptive post-experience effects, difficulties such as existential struggles and reduced self-esteem often last for more than a year, underscoring the need for better support systems.