Clinical Research on Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) in Psychiatry and Neuroscience.
Hossein Omidian, Alborz Omidian
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) March 29, 2025 DOI: 10.3390/ph18040499 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | LSD |
| Keywords | Clinical research Pharmacogenetics Serotonin receptors Psychedelics hallucinogens Psychological treatment Entheogens Psychedelic medicine Mental health psychiatry Behavioral health Neuroscience brain chemistry Neurotransmitters |
| Citations | 5 |
| Key findings | LSD shows promise for treating anxiety, depression, and alcohol use disorder, but challenges such as small sample sizes, variable dosing, and regulatory restrictions limit large-scale trials. |
Abstract
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is gaining renewed interest as a potential treatment for anxiety, depression, and alcohol use disorder, with clinical trials reporting significant symptom reductions and long-lasting effects. LSD modulates serotonin (5-HT2A) receptors, which, in turn, influence dysfunctional brain networks involved in emotional processing and cognition. It has also shown promise in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, where mystical-type experiences are linked to improved psychological well-being. This review examines LSD's pharmacokinetics, neurobiological mechanisms, and safety considerations, including cardiovascular risks, emotional vulnerability, and the potential for hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder (HPPD). Challenges such as small sample sizes, variable dosing protocols, and regulatory restrictions limit large-scale trials. Future research should focus on standardization, pharmacogenetic influences, and personalized treatment strategies to ensure its safe and effective integration into clinical practice.