The psychopharmacology of hallucinogens.
H D Abraham, A M Aldridge, P Gogia
Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology April 1, 1996 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.1016/0893-133x(95)00136-2 via PubMed
Summary
Hallucinogenic drugs have a complex history involving both therapeutic potential and significant risks, including abuse and adverse effects. The review discusses the historical context, current trends in hallucinogen abuse, and the association of LSD with prolonged psychoses and hallucinogen persisting perception disorder. It also addresses the implications for human subjects in hallucinogen research and suggests future research directions across various paradigms.
Study at a glance
| Design | review |
|---|---|
| Key finding | The review highlights both the therapeutic potential and the risks associated with hallucinogenic drugs, particularly focusing on their abuse and psychological effects. |
Abstract
Hallucinogenic drugs have been inhaled, ingested, worshipped, and reviled since prehistory. With the purification and synthesis of bontanical preparations and the ensuing discovery of chemically unique agents, hope was raised regarding their therapeutic potential, but this hope has been clouded by an epidemic of abuse and an inventory of adverse effects. This review examines aspects of that controversy, including the history of hallucinogens, epidemiology of current hallucinogen abuse, the association of LSD use with prolonged psychoses and hallucinogen persisting perception disorder, and the efforts to demonstrate the drug's therapeutic efficacy. Human subject ramifications in hallucinogen experimentation are discussed. Future lines of research are suggested in human, animal, and tissue culture paradigms.