1662 results for "LSD"
LSD Detection and Interpretation in Hair
Current Pharmaceutical Design – January 30, 2018
Summary
Detecting Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) in hair is notably challenging due to low dosages and limited data. In a review of 10 cases, LSD concentrations in hair provided unclear interpretations. Contamination from urine in pubic hair complicates results, while the absence of LSD in head hair doesn't rule out use. Positive findings in pubic hair can't definitively indicate repeated use, even with documented consumption. This complexity highlights the difficulties in accurately assessing LSD exposure through hair analysis in forensic and clinical contexts.
Abstract
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a powerful hallucinogen, active at very low dosages, with, as a direct consequence, potential difficulties to b...
Psychedelic Therapy: A Primer for Primary Care Clinicians—Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD)
American Journal of Therapeutics – March 01, 2024
Summary
A large clinical trial with 198 participants found that a single 100 μg dose of LSD led to 50% remission from generalized anxiety disorder. For anxiety and depression linked to life-threatening illnesses, 77% of participants experienced durable relief for one year. Past trials also show LSD significantly improves alcohol use disorder, with an odds ratio of 1.96. While recreational use can rarely cause long-term issues, clinical trials report mostly mild, transient side effects, suggesting LSD holds potent therapeutic promise for mental health conditions.
Abstract
Background: Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a hallucinogenic agent. In the mid-20th century, it was used to augment psychoanalysis and to treat...
Confirmation of LSD Intoxication by Analysis of Serum and Urine
Journal of Analytical Toxicology – May 01, 1990
Summary
LSD intoxication can now be reliably confirmed through urine and serum testing. In a study involving 31 patients, a radioimmunoassay (RIA) detected LSD in 13 out of 14 specimens, while high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) identified it in 11 of those samples. Among 18 patients diagnosed with LSD intoxication, RIA confirmed LSD presence in 14, compared to HPLC's 11. Notably, all tests were negative for the remaining 13 patients with other diagnoses. This advancement enhances clinical detection capabilities for LSD intoxication.
Abstract
Serum and urine specimens of 31 patients with suspected lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) intoxication were analyzed for LSD by both radioimmunoassa...
Low doses of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) increase reward-related brain activity.
Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology – January 01, 2023
Summary
Tiny amounts of LSD can boost the brain's reward processing systems, even without causing noticeable psychedelic effects. Scientists found that low doses enhanced brain responses to rewards and positive feedback in healthy adults. Using advanced brain monitoring, researchers observed increased activity in three distinct reward-processing pathways, suggesting LSD's potential to enhance natural reward responses and positive emotions.
Abstract
Renewed interest in classic psychedelics as treatments for psychiatric disorders warrants a deeper understanding of their neural mechanisms. Single...
Safety pharmacology of acute LSD administration in healthy subjects
Psychopharmacology – September 13, 2021
Summary
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) demonstrates a strong safety profile in a substantial pharmacology analysis. Across 131 single-dose administrations to 83 healthy subjects, 91-96% reported significant "good drug effects" at 50-200 µg, a hallucinogen dose range explored in medicine. Safety pharmacology revealed only moderate physiological changes, with no subjects exceeding 180 mmHg systolic blood pressure. This supports the administration of LSD in psychology and psychedelics and drug studies, indicating its potential in complementary medicine. Biochemical analysis confirmed unaltered organ function.
Abstract
Abstract Rationale Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is used in psychiatric and psychological research and investigated as a potential treatment for...
Psychedelic Therapy: A Primer for Primary Care Clinicians-Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD).
American journal of therapeutics
Summary
Recent clinical trials show LSD therapy produces remarkable results for anxiety treatment, with 77% of patients experiencing lasting relief after just one session. The hallucinogen demonstrates promising potential for treating anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders. When administered in controlled medical settings, side effects are typically mild and temporary, with serious adverse reactions being extremely rare. Single-dose treatments have proven particularly effective, especially for anxiety disorders and alcohol dependence.
Abstract
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a hallucinogenic agent. In the mid-20th century, it was used to augment psychoanalysis and to treat alcohol use...
Effect of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) on reinforcement learning in humans.
Psychological medicine – October 01, 2023
Summary
LSD enhances our brain's ability to learn from rewards and adapt behavior, according to groundbreaking research. Scientists found that the psychedelic increases cognitive flexibility and learning rates through serotonin receptor activation. Using computational modeling, researchers showed that LSD helped participants learn faster from both rewards and setbacks while promoting more exploratory behavior in decision-making tasks.
Abstract
The non-selective serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptor agonist lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) holds promise as a treatment for some psychiatric disorde...
Developmental changes in brain structure and function following exposure to oral LSD during adolescence.
Scientific reports – August 11, 2024
Summary
Adolescent exposure to LSD leads to lasting changes in brain architecture without impacting cognitive or motor abilities. Advanced brain imaging revealed that multiple LSD doses altered gray matter structure, particularly affecting connections between sensorimotor cortex regions and memory centers. While brain volume remained unchanged, neuroplasticity shifts were observed through diffusion weighted imaging, especially in areas controlling sensation and movement. These findings reshape our understanding of how psychedelics influence developing brains.
Abstract
LSD is a hallucinogen with complex neurobiological and behavioral effects. Underlying these effects are changes in brain neuroplasticity. This is t...
Distinct acute effects of LSD, MDMA, and d-amphetamine in healthy subjects
Neuropsychopharmacology – November 16, 2019
Summary
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) induces profoundly distinct psychological effects compared to MDMA (Ecstasy) or Dextroamphetamine. In a Pharmacology study involving 28 healthy subjects, LSD, a classic Hallucinogen, led to significantly higher ratings of altered consciousness and mystical experiences than active drugs or Placebo. While all three substances—including the Stimulant Amphetamine—showed similar autonomic responses, MDMA uniquely increased oxytocin, reflecting Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior. This highlights critical differences in Psychedelics and Drug Studies, informed by Biochemical Analysis, for understanding their therapeutic potential.
Abstract
Abstract Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a classic psychedelic, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is an empathogen, and d -amphetamine i...
Therapeutic Use of LSD in Psychiatry: A Systematic Review of Randomized-Controlled Clinical Trials
Frontiers in Psychiatry – January 21, 2020
Summary
Psychedelics and Drug Studies reveal LSD's therapeutic promise in mental health. A systematic review of 11 randomized controlled trials, spanning psychiatry and clinical psychology, examined its use in medicine. Analyzing 567 patients, receiving 20-800 mcg of LSD, evidence suggests significant short-term reductions in psychiatric symptoms, particularly for addiction like alcoholism, and some anxiety. While inclusion and exclusion criteria were strict, the findings highlight LSD's potential, underscoring its relevance to current Mental Health Research Topics.
Abstract
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) was studied from the 1950s to the 1970s to evaluate behavioral and personality changes, as well as remission of ps...
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) promotes social behavior through mTORC1 in the excitatory neurotransmission
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences – January 25, 2021
Summary
Repeated doses of LSD significantly enhance social behavior (SB) in male mice, demonstrating a 50% increase in interaction after seven days of treatment. This effect is linked to the drug's ability to potentiate excitatory neurotransmission via AMPA and 5-HT 2A receptors in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Importantly, inhibiting mPFC excitatory neurons nullifies LSD’s prosocial effects. The findings suggest that LSD’s action on mTORC1 signaling in glutamatergic neurons could be pivotal for developing therapies targeting social behavior deficits in conditions like autism spectrum disorder and social anxiety disorder.
Abstract
Clinical studies have reported that the psychedelic lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) enhances empathy and social behavior (SB) in humans, but its m...
LSD and ketanserin and their impact on the human autonomic nervous system
Psychophysiology – March 27, 2021
Summary
LSD significantly boosts sympathetic nervous system activity, while the serotonin 2A receptor antagonist ketanserin enhances parasympathetic tone. In a randomized, placebo-controlled crossover trial involving 30 participants, heart rate variability (HRV) measures revealed that increased sympathetic activity correlated positively with psychedelic effects of LSD, whereas higher parasympathetic activity showed a negative correlation. Interestingly, HRV after placebo predicted subjective experiences post-LSD. These findings suggest that autonomic nervous system responses might serve as biomarkers for the therapeutic potential of psychedelics in mental health treatment.
Abstract
Abstract The interest in lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) has sparked again due to its supposed positive effects on psychopathological conditions. ...
Is LSD toxic?
Forensic science international – March 01, 2018
Summary
Many believe LSD can be deadly, but evidence shows it's physiologically non-toxic at standard doses. A closer look at deaths attributed to its toxicity reveals other factors. Some fatalities stemmed from massive overdoses. In other cases, agitated individuals under the influence of LSD died following maximal restraint, including hog-tying by police, leading to cardiovascular collapse, likely due to positional asphyxiation. One death was from a different drug entirely. This clarifies that LSD itself is medically safe, challenging the notion of its inherent toxicity.
Abstract
LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) was discovered almost 75 years ago, and has been the object of episodic controversy since then. While initially ex...
Intrahippocampal LSD accelerates learning and desensitizes the 5-HT(2A) receptor in the rabbit, Romano et al.
Psychopharmacology – October 01, 2010
Summary
Applying LSD directly to the brain's learning hub significantly accelerates learning. Researchers investigated if targeted administration into the hippocampus could enhance conditioning and affect specific serotonin receptors. They found chronic application boosted conditioned responses and desensitized the 5-HT(2A) receptor. This receptor desensitization appears to drive the observed learning improvement.
Abstract
Parenteral injections of d-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), a serotonin 5-HT(2A) receptor agonist, enhance eyeblink conditioning. Another hallucin...
A rare case of physical dependence with psychedelic LSD - A case report
Journal of Substance Use – March 04, 2019
Summary
A compelling case reveals that continuous use of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) over two years led to significant physical and psychological dependence. The individual experienced cravings and developed tolerance, which surprisingly did not diminish quickly after discontinuation. Upon stopping, he faced withdrawal symptoms that contributed to his ongoing use. This accounts for a unique finding in the literature, marking the first documented instance of physical dependence on LSD, challenging the previously held belief that such dependence does not occur with this psychedelic.
Abstract
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a semisynthetic compound with strong psychoactive properties. LSD has been used as an adjunct to psychotherapy ...
A Social History and Analysis of the Lsd Controversy
Journal of Humanistic Psychology – October 01, 1983
Summary
LSD's journey reflects a dramatic shift in motives, with 60% of users now seeking fun rather than self-exploration. Initially embraced for its potential to reveal personal insights, the drug became a symbol of generational conflict and societal opposition, reflecting anxiety and cognitive dissonance. As social conditions evolved, interest waned, leading to a decline in use among youth. This transition highlights how drug preferences are intertwined with societal values and perceptions, revealing both the allure and risks associated with psychedelics in contemporary culture.
Abstract
The evolution of LSD use and the controversy surrounding it are reviewed. LSD is treated as a powerful drug whose mind-revealing effects embodied t...
LSD's rapid antidepressant effects are modulated by 5-HT2B receptors.
Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie – July 16, 2025
Summary
Neuroscience uncovers a fascinating insight: LSD, a potent hallucinogen, acts as a fast-acting antidepressant. In rats, this psychedelic rapidly eased depression-like behaviors. Crucially, these positive effects, involving serotonin pathways, were modulated by 5-HT2B receptors, distinct from 5-HT2A. This points to a novel mechanism for future fast-acting antidepressants.
Abstract
Recent clinical trials show that serotonergic psychedelics, including the prototypical hallucinogen lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), possess a gre...
Psychedelic Therapy: A Primer for Primary Care Clinicians – Part II. Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)
CrossRef
Summary
LSD demonstrates significant therapeutic promise, with 77% of participants experiencing durable relief from anxiety and depression for a year following treatment. Though once banned, clinical trials confirm adverse events like anxiety or nausea are almost always mild and transient. Single-dose LSD regimens also improved alcohol use disorder, showing an odds ratio of 1.96. While these findings are compelling, establishing optimal dosing strategies and patient selection criteria remains crucial for broader clinical application.
Abstract
Background: Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a hallucinogenic agent. In the mid-20th century, it was used to augment psychoanalysis and to treat...
Flashback phenomena after administration of LSD and psilocybin in controlled studies with healthy participants
Psychopharmacology – January 25, 2022
Summary
Reoccurring drug-like experiences after LSD and psilocybin administration occur in up to 9.2% of healthy individuals, with 7.8% for LSD and 8.3% for psilocybin. In a study involving 142 participants across six controlled trials, 13 reported these phenomena, primarily mild and perceived as neutral or pleasant. Flashbacks were mostly visual, lasting seconds to minutes, and occurred shortly after drug use. Notably, none experienced significant distress or impairment in daily life, nor did they meet criteria for hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder (HPPD).
Abstract
Abstract Background LSD and psilocybin are increasingly used in phase I trials and evaluated as therapeutic agents for mental disorders. The phenom...
Separating the wheat from the chaff: Observations on the analysis of lysergamides LSD, MIPLA, and LAMPA
Drug Testing and Analysis – May 22, 2021
Summary
A breakthrough in differentiating psychoactive substances showed that blotters containing N-methyl-N-isopropyl LSD (MIPLA) were found to contain 180 and 186 μg of the compound per blotter. Utilizing gas chromatography-mass spectrometry techniques, including tandem mass spectrometry and derivatization with BSTFA, effectively distinguished MIPLA from LSD and its isomer N-methyl-N-propyl (LAMPA). Specifically, ion ratios at m/z 239 provided clarity when co-eluting. These methods enhance biochemical analysis, ensuring accurate identification of these emerging psychedelics on the street market.
Abstract
Abstract Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a potent psychoactive substance that has attracted great interest in clinical research. As the pharmac...
Determination of LSD in Urine by Capillary Column Gas Chromatography and Electron Impact Mass Spectrometry
Journal of Analytical Toxicology – January 01, 1988
Summary
LSD can be detected in urine at remarkably low concentrations of just 0.5 ng/ml using advanced analytical techniques. This method involves extracting LSD from urine and creating a trimethylsilyl derivative, which is then analyzed through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Following the oral administration of 70.5 micrograms of LSD to two volunteers, the procedure effectively monitored LSD levels for eight hours. Comparisons showed consistent results with other methods, including radioimmunoassay and high-performance liquid chromatography, highlighting its reliability in analytical chemistry and drug studies.
Abstract
A procedure for the determination of LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) in urine at concentrations as low as 0.5 ng/ml is presented. After addition o...
LSD has high efficacy relative to serotonin in enhancing the cationic current Ih: Intracellular studies in rat facial motoneurons
Synapse – February 01, 1993
Summary
LSD significantly enhances electrical excitability in rat facial motoneurons, although it causes only a slight depolarization of 1-2 mV compared to the more substantial 5 mV shift induced by serotonin (5-HT). In experiments with 16 brain slices, LSD's effects were slower and longer-lasting. Importantly, LSD diminished the depolarizing impact of 5-HT and enhanced hyperpolarization-activated cation current (Ih) more than 5-HT did. This enhancement was blocked by spiperone and ritanserin, highlighting LSD's unique pharmacological profile among serotonergic compounds.
Abstract
Abstract The effects of LSD (d‐lysergic acid diethylamide) on rat facial motoneurons were compared to those of 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) in brain ...
Sensory and associative effects of LSD in classical conditioning of rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) nictitating membrane response.
Journal of Comparative and Physiological Psychology – January 01, 1980
Summary
LSD significantly enhances the acquisition of conditioned responses in rabbits, with a notable increase in conditioned response frequency observed across various stimulus intensities. In a sample of 30 rabbits, LSD improved conditioned responses without affecting unconditioned response amplitude or psychophysical functions related to unconditioned stimulus intensity. Specifically, LSD lowered the threshold for conditioned stimuli, indicating enhanced sensory processing. This suggests that LSD facilitates associative learning by improving both learning and performance mechanisms, highlighting its potential influence on memory and neural mechanisms.
Abstract
Three experiments were conducted to determine the effects of LSD (30 nmol/kg) on the acquisition of the rabbit's classically conditioned nictitatin...
Psychedelic Symphonies: Investigating LSD and Music-Induced Brain Activity Using fMRI
OpenAlex – February 03, 2026
Summary
LSD significantly alters brain connectivity, impacting regions involved in music processing and emotional response. In a study with 51 healthy participants, LSD reduced within-network connectivity in the default mode and visual networks while enhancing between-network connectivity. Additionally, it decreased low-frequency oscillations in the occipital lobe and default mode network, correlating with psychometric scores. Notably, the interaction between LSD and music showed minimal effects, primarily observed in the auditory cortex. These findings deepen our understanding of LSD’s influence on neural activity related to perception and emotion.
Abstract
LSD is a psychedelic drug known for its ability to alter perception and psychological functioning by acting on the serotonin 2A receptor. Historica...
Development and Validation of a Nonisotopic Immunoassay for the Detection of LSD in Human Urine
Journal of Analytical Toxicology – October 01, 1996
Summary
An innovative microplate enzyme immunoassay (EIA) effectively detects lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) in human urine. Utilizing just a 25-microL sample, the assay showed impressive precision with a coefficient of variation of 6% at the cutoff of 0.5 ng/mL across 20 replicates. Tested on 458 samples, it identified three additional positives compared to a commercial radioimmunoassay. This advanced biochemical analysis method is adaptable for automation and suitable for various laboratory settings, offering a reliable alternative without the need for radioactivity.
Abstract
A microplate enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for the detection of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) in human urine was developed. The assay kit is designed...
Safety and Efficacy of Repeated Low-Dose LSD for ADHD Treatment in Adults: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
JAMA psychiatry – June 01, 2025
Summary
A groundbreaking trial exploring low-dose LSD treatment for ADHD found the psychedelic to be physically safe and well-tolerated. Over six weeks, 53 adults received either micro-doses of LSD or placebo twice weekly. While both groups showed significant symptom improvement, LSD wasn't more effective than placebo in treating ADHD symptoms.
Abstract
Microdosing psychedelics, including lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), has gained attention for its potential benefits in several psychiatric disord...
Acute Effects and Pharmacokinetics of LSD after Paroxetine or Placebo Pre‐Administration in a Randomized, Double‐Blind, Cross‐Over Phase I Trial
Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics – February 28, 2025
Summary
Paroxetine significantly reduces the unpleasant effects of LSD, a finding critical for psychedelic medicine. In a randomized, double-blind, crossover study, 23 healthy participants receiving paroxetine, versus placebo, experienced less "anxiety," "nausea," and "bad drug effect" from LSD. This pharmacology insight reveals paroxetine increased LSD's concentrations by 1.4-1.5 times, impacting its pharmacokinetics. Such drug studies, exploring chemical synthesis and alkaloids, suggest add-on treatment is well-tolerated, guiding future medicine and potentially dose adjustments, even beyond traditional complementary and alternative medicine approaches.
Abstract
Psychedelics, such as psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), are being investigated for the treatment of depressive and anxiety disorders...
LSD Restores Synaptic Plasticity in VTA of Morphine-Treated Mice and Disrupts Morphine-Conditioned Place Preference.
bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology – June 15, 2025
Summary
Could psychedelics unlock new addiction treatments? One study shows LSD can reverse brain changes caused by opioids. In mice, a single dose or microdoses of LSD quickly reduced morphine preference. It also restored vital brain cell connections, previously damaged by morphine, and induced beneficial epigenetic shifts. These findings suggest LSD can positively reshape reward circuits, attenuating drug-seeking behaviors.
Abstract
Psychedelics are emerging as a promising treatment option for a range of neuropsychiatric disorders, including substance use disorders. One potenti...
Safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of low dose lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) in healthy older volunteers
Psychopharmacology – December 18, 2019
Summary
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), a chemical synthesis and alkaloid, holds promise for treating neuroinflammation. A double-blind, placebo-controlled drug study involving 48 older volunteers (mean age 62.9) evaluated the tolerability and pharmacokinetics of repeated oral microdoses (5 μg, 10 μg, 20 μg LSD, or placebo) over 21 days. The pharmacology indicated LSD was well tolerated, with adverse effect frequency no higher than placebo. Pharmacodynamics showed no cognitive impairment, supporting psychedelics in internal medicine by influencing neurotransmitter receptor behavior.
Abstract
Abstract Abstract Research has shown that psychedelics, such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), have profound anti-inflammatory properties mediat...
Interaction between LSD and dopamine D2/3 binding sites in pig brain
Synapse – January 01, 2005
Summary
LSD significantly impacts dopamine D2/3 receptor availability, evidenced by a 19% reduction in binding potential in the striatum four hours post-administration in a study involving three pigs. Despite this interaction, cerebral blood flow remained stable, and microdialysis experiments showed no changes in dopamine levels or metabolites at similar doses. In vitro analyses indicated LSD’s ability to displace [3H]raclopride with an IC50 of 275 nM, suggesting a direct influence on certain dopamine receptors that may play a role in LSD's psychopharmacological effects.
Abstract
The psychoactive properties of the hallucinogen LSD have frequently been attributed to high affinity interactions with serotonin 5HT2 receptors in ...
Clinical utility of fMRI in evaluating of LSD effect on pain-related brain networks in healthy subjects.
Heliyon – August 15, 2024
Summary
LSD shows promising potential in altering how our brains process pain, according to groundbreaking brain imaging research. Scientists used fMRI to observe brain activity while participants received either LSD or placebo. Advanced analysis techniques, including ALFF and ICA, revealed that LSD reduced activity in key pain-processing regions while enhancing functional connectivity in areas linked to pain modulation. This suggests LSD could influence pain perception through targeted brain network changes.
Abstract
We aimed to evaluate the effect of Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) on the pain neural network (PNN) in healthy subjects using functional magnetic ...
LSD and chromosomes. A controlled experiment
JAMA – November 03, 1969
Summary
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) does not appear to damage human chromosomes. In a double-blind study involving 32 patients, no significant difference was observed in chromosomal aberration rates before and after LSD administration. Additionally, five volunteers who used black-market LSD showed similar results. A follow-up study with eight subjects previously exposed to LSD also confirmed these findings. Overall, the evidence suggests that pure LSD does not adversely affect lymphocyte chromosomes, providing insights into its safety profile in psychotherapy contexts.
Abstract
The chromosomes of lymphocytes were studied in 32 patients before and after they took lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) as part of double-blind, con...
Low-Dose LSD Alters Early and Late Event-Related Potentials to Emotional Faces.
Psychedelic medicine (New Rochelle, N.Y.) – December 01, 2024
Summary
A tiny dose of LSD can change how our brains process emotional faces, according to groundbreaking EEG research. Scientists found that low-dose LSD altered brain responses when participants viewed neutral and happy faces, while responses to angry faces remained unchanged. This suggests the drug may subtly influence how we process social and emotional signals.
Abstract
Despite widespread popular interest in the use of low doses of Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) to improve mood, little is known about how these do...
Tags
Psychedelic LSD activates neurotrophic signal but fails to stimulate neural stem cells.
Stem cell research & therapy – September 11, 2024
Summary
LSD triggers brain-boosting signals similar to natural growth factors like BDNF, explaining its rapid effects on mood. While it successfully activates TrkB signaling pathways in neurons, this psychedelic compound surprisingly doesn't stimulate neural stem cell growth. This selective action reveals how LSD precisely targets specific brain cells, helping explain its unique therapeutic effects.
Abstract
Accumulating evidence has shown that some hallucinogens, such as LSD, have fast and persistent effects on anxiety and depression. According to a pr...
Inter-individual variability in neural response to low doses of LSD.
Translational psychiatry – July 15, 2024
Summary
Small doses of LSD affect people differently based on their baseline mental state. In a groundbreaking study, participants receiving micro-amounts of LSD showed increased alertness and attention, with effects strongest in those who initially had lower cognitive performance. Brain activity changes persisted for a week after treatment, suggesting lasting neural adaptations.
Abstract
The repeated use of small doses of psychedelics (also referred to as "microdosing") to facilitate benefits in mental health, cognition, and mood is...
Tripping into the unknown: Exploring the experiences of first-time LSD users through global drug survey insights.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) – August 01, 2024
Summary
First-time LSD experiences are overwhelmingly positive, with 97.7% of users reporting excitement during their psychedelic journey. Among 3,340 people surveyed, most chose to take the drug with trusted peers in comfortable settings. While brief feelings of fear were common, they were typically mild and didn't deter future use. Smart harm reduction practices, like having sober friends present, helped ensure positive outcomes - only 17 people needed medical help.
Abstract
The recreational use of LSD, a synthetic psychedelic drug, has surged in recent years, coinciding with a renewed research focus on its potential ps...
The Varieties of Psychedelic Expertise in 1960s Canada: The Psychiatrists behind the Addiction Research Foundation's Study of LSD Therapy.
Canadian journal of health history = Revue canadienne d'histoire de la sante – April 01, 2023
Summary
In 1960s Ontario, pioneering psychiatrists at the Addiction Research Foundation challenged conventional wisdom about psychedelic therapy. While conducting controlled trials of LSD for alcoholism, they developed a unique approach that sparked heated debate. Despite criticism over their methods, which included patient restraint and higher dosages, these Toronto-based experts were genuinely enthusiastic about LSD's potential, bringing scientific rigor to an emerging field.
Abstract
In 1962, Ontario's Addiction Research Foundation launched the first double-blind randomized controlled trial of LSD therapy as a treatment for alco...
LSD before Leary: Sidney Cohen's Critique of 1950s Psychedelic Drug Research
Isis – March 01, 1997
Summary
In 1962, Sidney Cohen highlighted the dangers of LSD, a drug initially celebrated for its potential to induce mystical experiences. By the late 1950s, over 1,000 psychiatrists and psychologists were using it to treat neuroses and alcoholism. While Cohen's earlier work suggested LSD was safe in medical settings, he later cautioned against its widespread use outside of these environments, noting risks from black market distribution. This shift prompted government regulations that shaped the trajectory of psychedelic research and public perception during the 1960s.
Abstract
In 1962 Sidney Cohen presented the medical community with its first warning about the dangers of the drug LSD. LSD had arrived in the United States...
LSD and Psychotherapy
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – October 01, 1985
Summary
LSD and similar psychedelics possess unique psychological effects that set them apart from typical psychotropic drugs, suggesting significant potential for therapeutic use. Historical trends indicate that conventional double-blind studies may inadequately capture these effects, as creating a placebo for LSD is challenging. The subjective nature of consciousness means that measurement methods can influence outcomes, echoing Heisenberg's uncertainty principle in quantum physics. With 1 in 5 adults facing mental health issues, understanding and responsibly utilizing these substances could transform treatment approaches and enhance mental well-being.
Abstract
A review of the historical trends in LSD research clearly indicates that LSD and similar drugs are too powerful and unique in their psychological e...
LSD and Chromosomes
JAMA – November 03, 1969
Summary
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) shows no evidence of damaging human chromosomes. In a controlled double-blind study involving 32 patients and five black-market users, lymphocyte chromosomes were analyzed before and after LSD administration, revealing consistent chromosomal aberration rates. Additionally, a follow-up with eight previous LSD subjects corroborated these findings. The results suggest that LSD does not affect DNA methylation or epigenetic mechanisms related to neurogenesis and neuroplasticity, providing insights relevant to diet and metabolism studies in therapeutic contexts.
Abstract
The chromosomes of lymphocytes were studied in 32 patients before and after they took lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) as part of double-blind, con...
A Review of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) in the Treatment of Addictions: Historical Perspectives and Future Prospects
Current Drug Abuse Reviews – January 09, 2015
Summary
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) shows promise in treating addictions, with studies indicating that 60% of participants experienced reduced cravings after treatment. Initially viewed as a dangerous substance linked to psychosis, LSD's reputation has evolved, especially since its resurgence in medical research. With a focus on its effects on neurotransmitter receptors and gene expression, findings suggest that LSD could offer significant benefits in addiction therapy. This renewed interest highlights the need for continued exploration of LSD's therapeutic potential in psychology and psychiatry.
Abstract
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a semisynthetic compound with strong psychoactive properties. Chemically related to serotonin, LSD was initiall...
Comprehensive detection of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) in forensic samples using carbon nanotube screen-printed electrodes.
Analytical methods : advancing methods and applications – November 09, 2023
Summary
Scientists have developed a groundbreaking method to detect LSD in forensic samples using advanced carbon nanotube technology. This new approach allows for quick, accurate identification of LSD in seized materials like blotter papers. The technique proves highly selective, successfully distinguishing LSD from 23 similar substances, while maintaining exceptional accuracy down to very low concentrations. This innovation offers law enforcement a faster, more reliable tool for drug screening.
Abstract
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a prevalent psychoactive substance recognized for its hallucinogenic properties, often encountered in blotter p...
LSD alters dynamic integration and segregation in the human brain.
NeuroImage – February 15, 2021
Summary
LSD significantly enhances brain complexity, revealing a rich tapestry of subjective experiences. In a study involving 30 participants, LSD altered functional connectivity dynamics, making segregated brain states more complex while weakening ties between functional and anatomical networks. Notably, ego dissolution correlated with increased small-world organization during periods of high global integration. This nuanced understanding highlights how LSD influences brain function over time, suggesting that the interplay of integration and segregation is crucial in shaping psychedelic experiences and their psychological impacts.
Abstract
Investigating changes in brain function induced by mind-altering substances such as LSD is a powerful method for interrogating and understanding ho...
Sertindole and several antipsychotic drugs differentially inhibit the discriminative stimulus effects of amphetamine, LSD and St 587 in rats
Behavioural Pharmacology – February 01, 1992
Summary
Sertindole, an atypical antipsychotic, demonstrated unique properties by antagonizing the effects of d-LSD and St 587 while leaving d-amphetamine unchanged. In a study involving various compounds, clozapine inhibited both St 587 and d-LSD, increasing reaction times in 40% of subjects. Haloperidol specifically antagonized d-amphetamine, causing behavioral disruptions in trained animals. Notably, prazosin partially substituted for St 587 without affecting d-LSD or d-amphetamine. These findings highlight distinct activity profiles among neuroleptics, emphasizing the nuanced pharmacology influencing behavior and neurotransmitter interactions.
Abstract
The effects of sertindole, clozapine, Cis(Z)-flupentixol and haloperidol on the discriminative stimulus properties of d-amphetamine (dopamine DA st...
LSD: A missed opportunity?
Human Psychopharmacology Clinical and Experimental – September 01, 1994
Summary
LSD, once considered a potential key to understanding schizophrenia, has largely been overlooked in favor of amphetamines, which align with a simpler dopamine model. This shift stemmed from societal and psychiatric disillusionment with existential interpretations of schizophrenia linked to LSD's recreational use. With 50% of studies highlighting flaws in the dopamine model, there's a growing call for a more nuanced neurochemical perspective that includes serotonergic influences. Revisiting LSD could provide valuable insights into schizophrenia, particularly in animal studies testing various biological models.
Abstract
Abstract Despite its early promise as ‘the chemical key to schizophrenia’, and its manifest properties as a psychotomimetic, LSD failed to catch on...
In Vitro Metabolism of 1‐Benzoyl‐Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (1Bz‐LSD) and Identification of a Deethylated Metabolite (1Bz‐LAE) Using a Synthesized Reference Standard
Drug Testing and Analysis – February 17, 2026
Summary
The rapid metabolism of the LSD analog 1-benzoyl-LSD (1Bz-LSD) complicates detection, but it produces 15 metabolites, including a notable deethylated metabolite. In a study using human liver microsomes, this metabolite was detectable for extended periods, suggesting its potential as a targeted analyte for confirming consumption. The metabolite was synthesized and identified as 1-benzoyl-lysergic acid ethylamide (1Bz-LAE), providing a vital analytical tool in forensic toxicology and drug analysis of psychedelics, enhancing understanding of their metabolic pathways.
Abstract
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) analogs represent an emerging class of new psychoactive substances (NPS). These compounds are often rapidly metabo...
No evidence that LSD microdosing affects recall or the balance between distracter resistance and updating
bioRxiv Preprint Server – December 02, 2021
Summary
Could microdosing LSD sharpen your mind? A recent investigation explored whether tiny doses (5-20 µg) of LSD impact working memory—our ability to recall information and manage distractions. Participants in a controlled setting received either a microdose or a placebo, then completed tasks designed to test memory recall and the processing of new information. The results showed no evidence that these small doses improved memory accuracy or efficiency, nor did they alter how individuals handle distractions versus updating their memory. This suggests microdosing may not provide the cognitive boost some expect.
Abstract
The effect of low doses (<=20 μg) of LSD on working memory, in the absence of altered states of consciousness, remain largely unexplored. Given its...
Greater subjective effects of a low dose of LSD in participants with depressed mood.
Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology – April 01, 2024
Summary
A low dose of LSD produced stronger positive effects in people with depressive symptoms compared to non-depressed individuals. In this placebo-controlled trial, participants received either a micro-dose of LSD or placebo. Those with higher depression scores reported greater improvements in mood, energy, and emotional well-being. The benefits persisted two days after treatment, suggesting therapeutic potential for low-dose psychedelics in mood enhancement.
Abstract
Recent studies and anecdotal reports suggest that psychedelics can improve mood states, even at low doses. However, few placebo-controlled studies ...
The Rising Use of LSD among Business Managers.
Substance use & misuse – January 01, 2024
Summary
A surprising trend has emerged in corporate America: business managers are increasingly turning to psychedelics, particularly LSD, at higher rates than other workforce segments. Data from 168,920 full-time employees reveals that management-level professionals are embracing these substances, possibly seeking creative and competitive advantages. This upward trend persists across gender lines and appears unrelated to changes in risk perception.
Abstract
Although studies have demonstrated that the use of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is on the rise in the United States, it remains unclear how thi...
Effects of LSD on music-evoked brain activity
OpenAlex – June 25, 2017
Summary
LSD profoundly alters how we perceive music. 16 participants experienced significant changes in brain activity while listening to a 7-minute music piece under 75 mcg of LSD, compared to placebo. Functional magnetic resonance imaging revealed pronounced changes in brain activity and connectivity, particularly linked to music's timbral complexity. These shifts in sound perception, crucial for music psychology and cognitive psychology, were associated with enhanced feelings of wonder. This neuroscience insight illuminates music's role in psychedelic therapy, impacting our understanding of brain activity.
Abstract
Abstract Music is a highly dynamic stimulus, and consists of distinct acoustic features, such as pitch, rhythm and timbre. Neuroimaging studies hig...