ECT in LSD Psychosis: A Report of Three Cases
American Journal of Psychiatry – September 01, 1971
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
A striking finding reveals that three patients suffering from toxic psychosis linked to Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) ingestion experienced dramatic recovery after a brief series of unilateral electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), despite prior treatment attempts with medication and psychotherapy. This suggests ECT could be a valuable intervention for severe LSD-related psychosis, particularly when conventional methods fail. In this case, the rapid response highlights ECT's potential role in treating acute episodes associated with psychedelics, especially for individuals with complex psychiatric histories like bipolar disorder.
Abstract
Three patients with toxic psychosis associated with LSD ingestion responded dramatically to a short series of unilateral ECTs after more conservative measures had been unsuccessful. The conservative measures consisted of medication, psychotherapy, and therapeutic milieu. The author recommends ECT for the "bad trip" from LSD that does not remit rapidly.