The dangers of LSD. Analysis of seven months' experience in a university hospital's psychiatric service
JAMA – August 08, 1966
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Adverse reactions to lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) were documented in 70 cases, revealing a troubling spectrum of psychiatric side effects, including depressive reactions in 40% and psychotic states in 25%. Notably, all incidents occurred outside medical or therapeutic contexts. Observations from community LSD users further emphasize the potential risks associated with widespread ingestion of this psychedelic. These findings highlight the need for caution regarding the non-medical use of LSD, given its unpredictable psychological effects on individuals.
Abstract
The symptoms, diagnostic categories, and general characteristics of patients in 70 cases of adverse reactions to lysergic acid diethylamide tartrate (LSD) are varied. Psychiatric side effects ranged from depressive reaction to psychotic states. In all cases, LSD ingestion occurred separately and apart from medical-experimental and psychiatric-therapeutic models of LSD usage. Findings based on these cases and from observations made on LSD users in the community indicate that widespread use of LSD is a cause for concern.