LSD as a therapeutic treatment

New research on the benefits of LSD show it can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and can potentially help people trying to overcome a drug dependence.¹

What is LSD?

LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) is a chemical derived from a fungi that infects rye grain.²

It’s a psychedelic drug that can cause changes in perception, mood and thought, as well as hallucinations in higher doses.²

It is also considered an empathogen – a drug that enhances a person’s feelings of empathy and connectedness.^2,3

LSD as a treatment for mental health and drug dependence

Research on the use of LSD as a treatment for mental health conditions began in the 1950s.

But, by the late 1970s, clinical research on LSD and other psychedelics largely came to a halt. This was due to many factors, including the USA’s criminalisation of LSD in 1966 and the introduction of stricter regulations for medical trials.⁴

Research increased again in the mid-2000s.⁴

Currently, research studies are exploring how LSD can help develop new ways of thinking and ‘reset’ the brain’s usual thought patterns.^1,5

LSD seems to affect chemicals in the brain like serotonin and dopamine (which help to regulate mood), although we don’t fully understand how it works.^1,5,6

The renewed interest in LSD builds on studies from 40 years ago that looked at treating:

• depression
• post-traumatic stress disorder
• drug dependence
• reducing anxiety in patients with a life-threatening disease.¹

Research on how LSD can treat mental health conditions is ongoing, but early results have been promising.⁷

LSD-assisted therapy trials

One study found a single dose of LSD could help change a person’s patterns of thought, showing its potential for treating depression and anxiety.

This study looked at people who didn’t have a history of mental illness. It found they felt more open, optimistic, and in a better mood for about two weeks after taking LSD.⁸

A study on LSD-assisted therapy for people living with a life-threatening illness found:

• 77.8% of participants experienced a decrease in their anxiety
• 66.7% had an improvement in their quality-of-life following treatment.

Their experiences of LSD led to deeper emotional insights and helped people face unknown worries and emotions.⁹

An analysis of seven studies found psychedelics like ayahuasca, psilocybin (magic mushrooms), and LSD had immediate and lasting effects in reducing depression and anxiety.

There were only a few side effects such as short-term anxiety, headaches, nausea, and minor increases in heart rate and blood pressure.⁷

LSD and alcohol dependence

• Initially research on using LSD for alcohol dependence showed positive results.
• People who received treatment experienced more optimism, positivity, and an improved ability to face their challenges.¹⁰
• An analysis of six studies in the 1960’s and 70’s found one dose of LSD helped reduce risky alcohol use. The benefits were most noticeable at 2 to 3 months and lasted up to 6 months. The effect didn’t last after 12 months.¹⁰
  Three of these studies focused on alcohol abstinence, and showed that LSD had a strong positive effect, helping participants stay alcohol-free for 1 to 3 months after treatment.¹⁰
• While these initial studies were promising more research is needed to understand the potential of LSD to treat alcohol dependence.¹¹

How is LSD used in therapy?

LSD therapy is administered in a controlled and supervised environment, often in a psychologist's office.

During the session, a psychologist or medical professional provides support and reassurance as the patient experiences the effects of the drug.

Although the patient's consciousness is significantly altered, they are still able to clearly remember the experience afterward.⁹

In some psychedelic therapy sessions, patients listen to a carefully chosen music playlist. This is thought to help create a more meaningful therapeutic experience.¹²

People’s experiences with LSD suggest they feel more in touch with their emotions, can confront their fears, and develop personal strengths. They also experience intense emotional highs.

These experiences can result in changes in a person’s emotional trust, understanding of situations, habits, and overall perspective on the world.⁹

Using LSD outside of a medical setting can lead to frightening experiences or accidents. Having a sober person present, known as a ‘trip sitter’, is an effective way to reduce the risks associated with LSD.^10,13,15

LSD therapy – what are the unknowns?

While LSD-assisted therapy shows promise, there’s still a lot to learn about its use for treating different health conditions.

For example, LSD may not be suitable for some individuals with certain mental health conditions, as the effects of psychedelics can mimic or worsen their symptoms.¹⁶

It’s also suggested future studies on LSD should focus on improving the quality of people’s experiences during treatment, to increase the positive effects and reduce anxiety.¹⁷

Currently, LSD therapy is not available in Australia. But, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has approved the use of psilocybin and MDMA for the treatment of some mental health conditions.¹⁸

Other psychedelic trials

Recently, studies have focused more on psilocybin, which has shown promise in treating a range of conditions, including alcohol and tobacco dependence.

Psilocybin is preferred in some studies due to its shorter effects and lower stigma, making it easier to secure funding and ethical approval.^14,19,20

For more information, check out our articles Magic mushrooms as medicine and Australia to allow MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD.