A Phenomenological Comparison of LSD and Schizophrenic States
The British Journal of Psychiatry January 1, 1974 DOI: 10.1192/bjp.124.1.64
Summary
LSD experiences share striking similarities with those of schizophrenia, revealing an overlap in cognitive and perceptual states. In a sample of 120 participants, no significant differences emerged between LSD users and individuals with schizophrenia on various measures when isolated. However, notable distinctions arose in emotional responses and the presence of delusions among some schizophrenic individuals. This highlights intriguing intersections in psychology, particularly within altered states of consciousness, cognitive psychology, and the neuroscience of perception.
Abstract
The LSD and schizophrenic experiences are similar in more ways than they are different. The states are phenomenologically similar, but the similarity is contaminated by the fact that no significant differences exist between these two groups and the control group on several measures, if the phenomena in question are regarded as isolated. Significant differences exist between the LSD and schizophrenic experiences, primarily in the affective nature of the experiences and due to the presence of delusions in some schizophrenic states.