Trial PaperDepressive DisordersAnxiety DisordersChronic PainPalliative & End-of-Life DistressLSD

LSD-assisted psychotherapy and the human encounter with death

This early study (1972; n=31) on LSD-assisted psychotherapy (200-500µg) showed the promise of using psychedelics in combination with therapy. The participants of the study were diagnosed with cancer and received therapy/preparation before (10 hours) and after (1-2 hours). Of these patients, 9 (29%) significantly improved on scores of emotional/mental health.

Authors

William Richards

Published

January 1, 1972

Journal of Transpersonal Psychology

individual Study

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Abstract

31 patients diagnosed at various stages of cancer progression were referred for therapy consisting of drug-free preparatory interviews totalling 6-12 over 2-3 wks, an all-day LSD session, and postsession interviews used to facilitate integration of the LSD experience. Assessment of LSD dosage was based on body weight and emotional defenses. Patients' conditions pre- and postsession were assessed by therapist, cotherapist, physician, nurse, family member, and independent rater on scales of depression, anxiety, pain, fear of death, isolation, and management. Of 36 mean scores, 3 did not demonstrate any significant or strongly positive trend. 9 patients dramatically improved, 13 moderately improved, and 9 remained essentially unchanged. 2 cases are examined in depth. The mechanics and process of the LSD experience are discussed and suggestions are made for further research.

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Research Summary of 'LSD-assisted psychotherapy and the human encounter with death'

Introduction

The authors situate their work in a context of growing clinical interest, historical reflection and limited prior evidence that psychedelics might alter the dying experience. Drawing on literary and anecdotal precedents (notably Aldous Huxley's accounts) and early clinical reports by Kast and Cohen that suggested LSD could reduce pain, anxiety and death-related apprehension in terminal cancer patients, the researchers describe how the Spring Grove and Sinai hospital teams extended their ongoing programme of LSD-assisted psychotherapy to people with terminal cancer. They note that earlier efforts varied in their psychotherapeutic framing and dosage, and that the existing literature was sparse and inconclusive. This paper reports a pilot clinical series in which the authors sought to evaluate whether LSD-assisted psychotherapy, delivered within a preparatory–session–integration psychotherapeutic model, could relieve emotional distress and affect pain-related outcomes in terminal cancer patients. The stated aim was to obtain preliminary data on psychological and analgesic effects, to characterise patients' subjective experiences (including peak or ‘‘mystical’’ experiences), and to identify issues warranting controlled follow-up work.

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Study Details

Study Type
individual
Journal
Journal of Transpersonal Psychology
Compound
LSD
Topics
Depressive Disorders Anxiety Disorders Chronic Pain Palliative & End-of-Life Distress
Author
William Richards
APA Citation
(1972). LSD-assisted psychotherapy and the human encounter with death. Journal of Transpersonal Psychology.

Related Clinical Trial

Completed

Spring Grove / Maryland Psychiatric Research Center LSD-Assisted Psychotherapy Program for Terminal Cancer (Pahnke, Grof, Richards, Kurland ~1965–1972)

Uncontrolled open pilot clinical series of LSD- and DPT-assisted psychotherapy for terminal cancer patients conducted at Spring Grove State Hospital and the Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Baltimore MD (~1965–1972; key investigators: Walter Pahnke, Stanislav Grof, William Richards, Albert Kurland). Total n~60 terminal cancer patients by July 1972 (P1 reports n=31 in earlier series; P2/P5 overlap with later cohort). Participants: referred for significant pain, depression, tension, anxiety or psychological isolation; estimated life expectancy ≥3 months. Sessions: single supervised psychedelic session (LSD 200–500 mcg IM, modal 300 mcg; or DPT 60–105 mg parenterally for shorter effect), with male-female therapist dyad, eyeshades, headphones, classical music, family involvement at termination. Preparatory psychotherapy ~6–12 h; integration psychotherapy beginning day after session. Outcome: Pahnke-Richards 7-domain observer rating (depression, isolation, fear of death, pain, etc. −6 to +6) by therapists, nurses, physicians, family; narcotic scale for analgesic use. Repeated sessions permitted if peak experience not achieved or symptoms recurred. No control arm; no registration (pre-registration era). Multiple publications report overlapping cohorts: Pahnke WN (1972, book chapter); Grof S et al. (Int Pharmacopsychiatry 1973, PMID 4140164); Kurland AA (J Psychoactive Drugs 1985, PMID 2418186).

Started: January 1, 1965
Type: interventional
Randomized: No
Registry ID: SPRING-GROVE-1965-1972-LSD-DPT-TERMINAL-CANCER-PROGRAM