Double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized crossover (n=46) testing two single-dose LSD 200 µg sessions versus two placebo sessions in patients with anxiety with or without life-threatening illness.
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial evaluated the efficacy of LSD for anxiety in patients with or without advanced life-threatening illness, building on earlier pilot work suggesting anxiolytic effects.
Participants received two single doses of LSD 200 µg and two matching placebo sessions in randomized order; subjects served as their own controls with outcomes assessed at 2, 8, and 16 weeks post-treatment.
Primary outcomes included reduction in anxiety (STAI); secondary measures included HDRS, BDI and SCL-90 to evaluate depressive and general psychopathological symptoms.
Active arm: two single-dose LSD 200 µg sessions in a randomized crossover.
Two single 200 µg doses per participant (crossover design).
Matching placebo capsules; two placebo sessions in crossover.
Mannitol capsules visually identical to LSD; two sessions.
In a planned 12‑month open‑label follow‑up of a double‑blind, placebo‑controlled crossover trial, LSD‑assisted therapy produced sustained, clinically significant reductions in anxiety and depression with large effect sizes lasting up to nearly two years after treatment. Participants also showed decreased neuroticism, increased extraversion and reported positive long‑term effects attributed to the psychedelic experience.