The History of Psychedelics in Psychiatry
David E. Nichols, Hannes Walter
Pharmacopsychiatry December 7, 2020 DOI: 10.1055/a-1310-3990 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Mescaline |
| Keywords | Value mathematics Psychotherapist Psychosis Hallucinogen Psychoanalysis |
| Citations | 131 |
| Key findings | The primary focus of psychedelic research shifted from modeling psychosis to using psychedelics as adjuncts to psychotherapy, which remains the major focus today. |
Abstract
Abstract Initial interest in the value of psychedelic drugs (“psychotomimetics”) in psychiatry began in the early 20th century, with explorations of the possibility that mescaline or peyote could produce psychosis-like effects. Over time, interest was focused on whether the effects of psychedelics could inform as to the underlying basis for psychiatric disorders. As research continued, and especially after the discovery of LSD in 1943, increasing interest in a role for psychedelics as adjuncts to psychotherapy began to evolve and became the major focus of work with psychedelics up to the present day.