When Psychedelics Go Wrong: Inside Berlin’s Specialized Clinic For Psychedelic Side Effects
In Berlin, a unique medical clinic has been quietly addressing the needs of a growing, underserved patient population: individuals experiencing lingering and disruptive effects from psychedelic substances. Known as the Ambulanz Psychedelische Substanzen (Outpatient Clinic for Psychedelic Substances) and based at Charité, one of Germany’s most prestigious university hospitals, the clinic was founded by psychiatrist Dr. Tomislav Majić in 2018. As The Guardian reported, since its inception, the clinic has become a rare haven for people suffering from conditions like hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD), anxiety and derealization after using psychedelics.
The surge in public interest surrounding psychedelics has largely focused on their potential therapeutic benefits. From treating depression and PTSD to aiding end-of-life anxiety, substances like psilocybin, MDMA, and LSD are becoming part of a new frontier in mental health treatment. However, as more people experiment with these substances recreationally or as part of self-exploration, some are left grappling with unexpected and sometimes long-term side effects.
When The Psychedelic Experience Persists
One such patient is James (a pseudonym to protect his privacy), who experienced a profound and distressing shift in his vision after taking psychedelic mushrooms. “I couldn’t read the text on my computer screen,” James recalled to The Guardian, adding that his entire visual field was filled with static. After seeking help from doctors in London, he found little support. “I was told, ‘This is why we don’t do drugs,'” James said. It was clear that traditional medical professionals were not equipped to handle his symptoms.
Like many, James turned to online forums and self-diagnosed himself with HPPD, a condition where visual disturbances persist long after the …