Psychological Reports
August 1, 1966
Willis W. Harman, Robert H. Mckim, Robert E. Mogar et al.
140 citations
A preliminary study explored whether psychedelic agents (LSD-25, mescaline) can facilitate creative problem-solving. Twenty-seven professionally employed males received a single psychedelic experience in small groups after extensive selection and preparation. The session was carefully structured to shape participants' expectations and create a supportive social environment. Tentative findings from creativity tests, subjective reports, self-ratings, and the usefulness of problem solutions suggested that, under this regimen, psychedelic agents seem to facilitate creative problem-solving, especially during the “illumination phase.” The results also suggested that various degrees of increased creative ability may persist for at least some weeks after the session.
Journal of psychoactive drugs
January 1, 2019
James Fadiman, Sophia Korb
122 citations
Taking a microdose of LSD (10 micrograms) every three days appears safe for a wide range of people. Over 18 months, more than a thousand individuals from 59 countries reported their moods daily using a standard checklist and written reports. Repeated microdoses were followed by improvements in negative moods, especially depression, and increases in positive moods. Participants also reported more energy, better work effectiveness, and improved health habits. Smaller samples described relief from migraine headaches, pre-menstrual syndromes, traumatic brain injury, shingles, and other conditions not previously linked to psychedelic use.
Psychological Reports
February 1, 1964
Charles Savage, Ethel Savage, James Fadiman et al.
25 citations
In a study of psychedelic therapy, patients received LSD and mescaline in a supportive setting after intensive preparation. Subjective questionnaires from 113 patients showed a high frequency of claimed benefit, a low frequency of negative reactions, and a strong link between claimed benefit and reports of 'greater awareness of ultimate reality' during the LSD experience. Clinical data from 74 cases, including blind ratings of MMPI profiles, supported the improvement rate. The total improvement rate was above 80%, with follow-ups ranging from 6 months to 2 years.
International Journal of Transpersonal Studies
January 1, 2009
Mark A. Schroll, Stanley Krippner, Miles A. Vich et al.
9 citations
A conversation traces the origins of humanistic and transpersonal psychology, weighing the advantages and drawbacks of developing APA-accredited clinical programs within these orientations. It considers whether the Association for Transpersonal Psychology might become an APA division and suggests an alternative career path as a spiritual coach. The discussion addresses psychedelic therapy and the Supreme Court's decision allowing ayahuasca as a sacrament by the Uniao Do Vegetal Church, highlighting the need for humanistic and transpersonal psychology to clearly map the territories of science and religion. It raises concern that Maslow's call for a "trans-human" psychology sought to encourage what is now called ecopsychology.
International Journal of Transpersonal Studies
January 1, 2009
Mark A. Schroll, Stanley Krippner, Miles A. Vich et al.
3 citations
A recollection of the origins of humanistic and transpersonal psychology leads into a discussion of the pros and cons of these orientations developing APA-accredited clinical programs. The conversation questions whether the Association for Transpersonal Psychology (ATP) will ever become an APA division, and raises the alternative of becoming a spiritual coach for those considering a counseling career. The issue of psychedelic therapy and the Supreme Court's decision allowing ayahuasca as a sacrament by the União do Vegetal Church is introduced, highlighting the need for humanistic and transpersonal psychology to map out the territories of science and religion. The conversation raises a concern that Maslow's call for a 'trans-human' psychology sought to encourage what is now called ecopsychology.
The Journal of near-death studies
January 1, 2003
James Fadiman, Jordan Gruber
1 citation
A review of Rick Strassman's book, which describes his research on the effects of the psychedelic compound DMT on human volunteers. The book explores how DMT may provide a biological basis for near-death and mystical experiences, drawing on his clinical studies where participants reported encounters with otherworldly entities and profound spiritual states. Strassman, a medical professor, argues that DMT, naturally produced in the brain, could be a key to understanding these phenomena, though the review notes the speculative nature of some claims.