LSD: Therapeutic Effects of the Psychedelic Experience
Charles Savage, Ethel Savage, James Fadiman, Willis W. Harman
Psychological Reports February 1, 1964 DOI: 10.2466/pr0.1964.14.1.111 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 113 |
| Population | Patients receiving psychedelic therapy |
| Interventions | LSD mescaline |
| Duration | Follow-ups from 6 months to 2 years |
| Topics | LSD |
| Keywords | Psychedelic treatment Entheogenic therapy Psychological therapy Mental wellness Clinical benefits Patient improvement Therapeutic potential Treatment efficacy Long-term benefits Sustained recovery Consciousness expansion Ultimate reality perception Existential awareness Transcendent experience |
| Citations | 25 |
| Key findings | The total improvement rate was above 80%, with a high relation between claimed benefit and reported greater awareness of ultimate reality. |
Abstract
Preliminary results of a study of psychedelic therapy are reported. Patients receive LSD and mescaline in a supportive setting following intensive preparation. Subjective questionnaire data from 113 patients reveal a high frequency of claimed benefit, low frequency of negative reaction, and a high relation between claimed benefit and reported “greater awareness of ultimate reality” through the LSD experience. Clinical data on 74 cases including blind ratings of MMPI profiles substantiate the claimed improvement rate. Cases in each of five improvement categories are summarized and before, 2-mo.-after, and 6-mo.-after MMPI data are included. Total improvement rate is above 80%. Follow-ups range from 6 mo. to 2 yr.