Homicide During a Psychosis Induced by LSD
JAMA – February 14, 1972
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
A tragic incident involved a 22-year-old student who, after using lysergic acid diethylamide, experienced a psychotic episode that led to the homicide of a stranger. Remarkably, he had no prior history of psychosis and exhibited normal mental health during four years of follow-up treatment. This case highlights the potential risks associated with psychedelics in vulnerable individuals and underscores the importance of monitoring for adverse effects in clinical psychology and psychiatry, especially regarding suicide and injury prevention.
Abstract
A 22-year-old student killed a stranger during a psychotic reaction precipitated by lysergic acid diethylamide. With the exception of another bad trip, he had not been psychotic previously and showed no evidence of psychosis during four years of follow-up treatment.