LSD: The Varieties of Psychotic Experience
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – October 01, 1985
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
LSD can induce a wide range of psychotic experiences, with some resembling schizophrenia in 20% of cases. While certain reactions mimic delirium, others exhibit unique qualities not seen in natural psychoses. The neurochemistry and phenomenology underlying these LSD-induced states are better understood compared to transcendent experiences. Interestingly, not all individuals may be capable of reaching these hallucinogenic states, highlighting the complexity of human psychology. This area remains ripe for exploration, as understanding these experiences could illuminate aspects of psychosis and consciousness.
Abstract
The varieties of psychotic LSD experiences are many. A very few may resemble a delirium, some are quite reminiscent of schizophrenia and others have an idiosyncratic quality not seen in the naturally occurring psychoses. The psychotic response to LSD is better understood than transcendent experiences because its neurochemistry and phenomenology have been worked out. Additionally, there is greater familiarity with the endogenous psychoses than the endogenous cosmic experiences. The LSD condition, especially the unsane state, is indeed an experience in search of an explanation. It is doubtful that an animal model for it will be found. It is even possible that not all humans are capable of achieving that state by means of the hallucinogenic drugs. The LSD state remains an area of enormous interest that requires exploration and research.