LSD: Therapeutic Effects of the Psychedelic Experience
Psychological Reports – February 01, 1964
Source: CrossRef
Summary
An impressive 80% of patients experienced significant improvement following psychedelic therapy. Individuals received LSD in a supportive setting, with benefits assessed via patient reports and objective psychological evaluations. Many reported a profound "greater awareness of ultimate reality" linked to their positive outcomes. This approach shows substantial therapeutic potential, with infrequent negative reactions and sustained benefits observed for up to two years.
Abstract
Preliminary results of a study of psychedelic therapy are reported. Patients receive LSD and mescaline in a supportive setting following intensive preparation. Subjective questionnaire data from 113 patients reveal a high frequency of claimed benefit, low frequency of negative reaction, and a high relation between claimed benefit and reported “greater awareness of ultimate reality” through the LSD experience. Clinical data on 74 cases including blind ratings of MMPI profiles substantiate the claimed improvement rate. Cases in each of five improvement categories are summarized and before, 2-mo.-after, and 6-mo.-after MMPI data are included. Total improvement rate is above 80%. Follow-ups range from 6 mo. to 2 yr.