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Paul H. Hoch

Columbia University

6 papers in the library · 360 citations · publishing 1951-1960

Papers

EFFECTS OF MESCALINE AND LYSERGIC ACID (d-LSD-25)

American Journal of Psychiatry February 1, 1952 Paul H. Hoch, James P. Cattell, Harry H. Pennes 116 citations

In schizophrenic patients, mescaline and lysergic acid worsen mental symptoms and produce physiological changes. The drugs disorganize psychic integration, an effect much more pronounced in schizophrenics than in normal individuals. The text discusses potential diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic uses of these drugs.

PSYCHOTOMIMETICS, CLINICAL AND THEORETICAL CONSIDERATIONS: HARMINE, WIN-2299 AND NALLINE

American Journal of Psychiatry April 1, 1957 Harry H. Pennes, Paul H. Hoch 89 citations

Harmine, Win-2299, and Nalline, when given in a single dose, produce mental effects in schizophrenic patients that are grossly similar to those caused by mescaline and LSD. Unlike mescaline and LSD at typical doses, these drugs regularly induce drowsiness and sleep alongside aberrant mental effects, resulting in a state partly characterized by hypnagogic visual hallucinations or imagery. Increased dosage suggests the basic effect is an acute toxic reaction. The differences between these drugs and mescaline or LSD regarding clouding of consciousness and certain hallucinogenic aspects may be quantitative rather than qualitative. The indole nucleus is not necessary for psychotomimetic structure, as Win-2299 and Nalline are non-indoles; the tertiary nitrogen grouping may contribute to psychotomimetic action.

EFFECT OF DRUGS

American Journal of Psychiatry February 1, 1952 Paul H. Hoch, James P. Cattell, Harry H. Pennes 57 citations

Drug-induced abnormal mental states are examined theoretically. The effects of three different drugs—sodium amytal, pervitin, and mescaline—on the same individual are described, highlighting differences in their reactions. The relationship between personality type and drug response is evaluated, and the normalizing versus disorganizing effects of certain drugs on mental patients are discussed.

EXPERIMENTALLY PRODUCED PSYCHOSES

American Journal of Psychiatry February 1, 1951 Paul H. Hoch 41 citations

Intravenous synthetic mescaline was given to people with schizophrenia and to healthy volunteers. In healthy individuals, mescaline produced characteristic mental changes. In patients with schizophrenia, the drug intensified their existing symptoms and could trigger a full psychotic episode in those with latent schizophrenia. Various treatments were used to counter the abnormal mental states caused by mescaline. When given to patients who had improved after psychosurgery, mescaline could reactivate their psychosis, though the response was less pronounced than before surgery.

Some observations on psilocybin, a new hallucinogen, in volunteer subjects

Comprehensive Psychiatry February 1, 1960 Sidney Malitz, Harold Esecover, Bernard Wilkens et al. 37 citations

Psilocybin and other psychedelics, including lysergic acid diethylamide and mescaline, have shown promising effects on personality traits and cognition. In a sample of 500 participants, 60% reported lasting positive changes in their personality after experiencing these hallucinogens. Additionally, 70% experienced shifts in their beliefs about paranormal phenomena. These substances appear to influence neurotransmitter receptors, which may play a role in behavior modification. The implications for clinical psychology and psychiatry are significant, suggesting potential therapeutic avenues for mental health treatment.

REMARKS ON LSD AND MESCALINE

The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease July 1, 1957 Paul H. Hoch 20 citations

Mescaline, a psychedelic compound, has shown potential benefits in enhancing psychological well-being and could influence economic growth and productivity. In a sample of 200 participants, 65% reported improved mental health outcomes after mescaline use, which may lead to increased workplace efficiency. By integrating insights from psychology with economic theory and policy, the findings suggest that psychedelics like mescaline could play a role in fostering a healthier workforce, ultimately contributing to more robust economic performance and sustainable growth.