Autistic Schizophrenic Children: An Experiment in the Use of D-Lysergic Acid Diethyladmide (LSD-25)

Introduction

Earlier research reviewed by Freedman noted widespread experimentation with LSD-25 since its accidental discovery, both as a psychotomimetic to model psychosis and as a possible therapeutic adjunct. Investigators disagreed about whether LSD experiences truly replicated naturally occurring psychosis; some described drug-induced anxiety and symptom magnification that could free repressed material, while others reported temporary behavioural ‘‘normalizations’’ in some schizophrenic patients. Reports also highlighted large interindividual variability, development of tolerance with repeated dosing, and generally uncertain value of LSD for treating chronic schizophrenia. Against this background, Freedman and colleagues set out to observe the acute effects of LSD in a group of autistic, largely mute, schizophrenic children attending a specialised day school. The study aimed to characterise somatic and psychic reactions after single oral doses, with particular interest in whether LSD might produce marked changes in autism-related behaviours such as muteness or social withdrawal. The investigators framed the work as an exploratory clinical experiment rather than a controlled therapeutic trial.