The Therapeutic Value of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide in Mental Illness
R. A. Sandison, A. M. Spencer, J. D. A. Whitelaw
Journal of Mental Science April 1, 1954 DOI: 10.1192/bjp.100.419.491 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Preliminary study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 36 |
| Population | Psychoneurotic patients |
| Intervention | LSD-25 |
| Duration | One year |
| Topics | LSD Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Hallucinogen Pharmacology Psychoanalysis Organic chemistry Consciousness Unconscious mind Ingestion Diethylamine |
| Citations | 191 |
| Key points | LSD 25 will find a significant place in the treatment of the psychoneuroses and allied mental illnesses. |
Abstract
D-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD 25) was first prepared in 1938 by Stoll and Hofmann. It is the synthetic amide of d-lysergic acid with a secondary amine, diethylamine and belongs to the ergonovine group of ergot alkaloids all of which have lysergic acid as a base. After its ingestion in minute doses, it induces psychic states in which the subject becomes aware of repressed memories and other unconscious material in a setting of clear consciousness. This preliminary paper describes the results obtained from the use of the drug in 36 psychoneurotic patients over a period of one year. We consider that the drug will find a significant place in the treatment of the psychoneuroses and allied mental illnesses.