Lysergic acid diethylamide: side effects and complications
This early review (1960) details the prevalence of some possible side effects and complications of LSD from the literature. The discussion includes prolonged psychotic symptoms, (attempted) suicides, and others.
Authors
- Cohen, S.
Published
Abstract
From the conclusion: From a review of the literature and the communications of 44 physicians who have administered LSD or mescaline, an attempt to categorize and analyze the potential hazards has been made. This inquiry into the adverse effects of the hallucinogenic drugs indicates that with proper precautions they are safe when given to a selected healthy group. Their use in patients has been associated with an occasional complication. An analysis of these incidents suggests that with the application of certain safeguards many of the side effects might have been avoided.
Research Summary of 'Lysergic acid diethylamide: side effects and complications'
Introduction
Psychotomimetic drugs such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and mescaline have been used increasingly as investigative tools and adjuncts in psychotherapy because they can induce reversible psychotic-like states that allow examination of perception, hallucination and other elements of mental function. Earlier literature and clinical experience suggested both therapeutic potential and the possibility of adverse outcomes including acute panic, prolonged psychotic reactions, depression and, more rarely, suicide, but the incidence and circumstances of such complications were not well characterised. To address this gap, a questionnaire was sent to 62 investigators with experience administering LSD or mescaline in normal subjects or patients, asking for numbers treated, typical dosing, major complications (including suicides, suicide attempts, prolonged psychotic or depressive reactions), screening precautions used, and diagnostic groups excluded. Responses were received from 44 investigators, together reporting data on almost 5,000 individuals and more than 25,000 administrations. The present paper summarises those replies and illustrative case reports to describe the spectrum and frequency of adverse events and to draw implications for safer use in research and therapy.
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Study Details
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COHEN, S. (1960). Lysergic acid diethylamide: side effects and complications. The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 130(1), 30-40. https://doi.org/10.1097/00005053-196001000-00005
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