LSD in a Coercive Milieu Therapy Program
Canadian Psychiatric Association Journal – October 01, 1977
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Patients in a maximum-security mental hospital reported significant benefits from LSD treatment, with 30 individuals receiving 500 mcg intramuscularly over five years. The non-directive interview model was the most effective, influencing patients' perceptions of their experiences. Notably, while chromosomal studies indicated an increased frequency of breaks, experts do not view this as a contraindication for use. Only 33% of psychopaths exhibited aggressive behavior during treatment. Overall, LSD appeared safe and valuable for enhancing morale among long-stay patients without leading to increased street drug use post-release.
Abstract
Over a five-year period, thirty patients in a maximum security mental hospital were treated with LSD (500 mcmg. I.M.). Three different styles of interviewing procedure evolved with experience: a medical model, a “responsible street model”, and a non-directive model. The interviewer's orientation appeared to significantly affect the patient's perception of the LSD experience. Since it was felt by the authors that no one set of biased inputs has any demonstrable merit over any other, (except in satisfying the interviewer), the non-directive model was deemed most reasonable. Although all patients reported that the experience was of great benefit, no one else could see changes for better — or worse. Chromosomal studies showed the usual increased frequency of breaks. It is noted that cytogenetic experts do not now see this finding as a contraindication to the use of the drug. It was not thought that the LSD administration in hospital was a significant factor leading to use of street drugs after release. The only difference on administration to psychopaths and schizophrenics was that one-third of the psychopaths (6 of 18) acted out by punching or kicking at someone nearby. When used with the safeguards described, the drug seemed safe and valuable to use in our communities of long-stay patients, because of the high morale engendered.