Psychedelic drug assisted psychotherapy in patients with terminal cancer
Goodman, L. E., Grof, S., Kurland, A. A., Pahnke, W. N.
This early study (1972) describes the use of LSD-assisted psychotherapy for patients with terminal cancer. Results suggest significant improvements on various clinical assessments.
Abstract
Describes the use of psychedelic drug therapy to alleviate the emotional and physical suffering of 50 23-81 yr old terminal cancer patients. In 43 patients, 200-500 mcg of LSD was orally administered as an adjunct to brief intensive psychotherapy. In 7 patients, 60-105 mg of dipropyltryptamine [DPT] was administered. Results were assessed using a clinical rating scale reflecting (a) the degree of depression and psychological isolation; (b) difficulty in management; and (c) acceptance or fear of death and pain. Pre- and posttreatment ratings indicate significant improvement on most of the clinical assessments and a trend toward a reduction in narcotic medication. Brief case histories are presented.