LSD: The Varieties of Psychotic Experience
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs October 1, 1985 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.1985.10524333 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | LSD |
| Keywords | Hallucinogen Phenomenology philosophy Neurochemistry Psychosis Schizophrenia object-oriented programming Epistemology Dopamine |
| Citations | 19 |
| Key points | Argues that the psychotic LSD experience is better understood than transcendent experiences due to its known neurochemistry and phenomenology, and that an animal model for the unsane state may not be found. |
Abstract
The varieties of psychotic LSD experiences are many. A very few may resemble a delirium, some are quite reminiscent of schizophrenia and others have an idiosyncratic quality not seen in the naturally occurring psychoses. The psychotic response to LSD is better understood than transcendent experiences because its neurochemistry and phenomenology have been worked out. Additionally, there is greater familiarity with the endogenous psychoses than the endogenous cosmic experiences. The LSD condition, especially the unsane state, is indeed an experience in search of an explanation. It is doubtful that an animal model for it will be found. It is even possible that not all humans are capable of achieving that state by means of the hallucinogenic drugs. The LSD state remains an area of enormous interest that requires exploration and research.
Comparable studies
Other theoretical and historical papers on LSD, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Experimental Use of Psychedelic (LSD) Psychotherapy | 1970 | Historical analysis | |
| LSD: My Problem Child | 1981 | Historical analysis | |
| On the Use and Abuse of LSD | 1968 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| The Use of Music in Psychedelic (LSD) Psychotherapy | 1972 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Flashbacks: Recurrent Intrusive Images After the Use of LSD | 1969 | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
Citations in the library
Cited by 13
- Treatment of alcoholism using psychedelic drugs: a review of the program of research. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs 1998
- Reconsidering evidence for psychedelic-induced psychosis: an overview of reviews, a systematic review, and meta-analysis of human studies. Molecular Psychiatry March 1, 2025
- Shamans, Sacraments, and Psychiatrists Journal of Psychoactive Drugs 1989
- Adverse psychiatric effects of psychedelic drugs: a systematic review of case reports. Psychological Medicine November 20, 2024
- Psychedelics and psychological strengths International Journal of Wellbeing February 28, 2023
and 8 more in the library