Journal of Psychedelic Drugs
January 1, 1977
William A. Richards, John Rhead, Francesco B. Dileo et al.
95 citations
In a 1977 study of dipropyltryptamine (DPT)-assisted psychotherapy with cancer patients, the occurrence of a peak experience during a drug session was associated with better therapeutic outcomes. Among 128 patients, those who had a peak experience showed greater reductions in anxiety, depression, and pain, and improved quality of life compared to those who did not. The authors suggest that the peak experience may be a key variable in the effectiveness of psychedelic-assisted therapy for this population.
The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease
September 1, 1955
Louis Cholden, Albert A. Kurland, Charles Savage
85 citations
In 1955, the author argued that schizophrenia, then often viewed as a purely psychological disorder, should be understood as a disease with biological and physiological roots, influenced by the emerging field of object-oriented programming in psychology. The paper critiques purely psychodynamic explanations and calls for integrating medical and neurological perspectives into schizophrenia research and treatment, advocating for a more holistic approach in psychiatry that considers both mental and physical factors.
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs
October 1, 1985
Albert A. Kurland
56 citations
A review of the clinical literature from the 1950s through early 1980s suggests that LSD-assisted psychotherapy, when used alongside supportive care, can help terminally ill cancer patients manage anxiety, depression, and existential distress. Reports indicate that a single high-dose LSD session, combined with psychological preparation and follow-up, often leads to reduced pain perception, improved mood, and a diminished fear of death lasting weeks to months. The authors note that the therapy appeared to facilitate a sense of meaning and acceptance in patients facing death. However, the evidence is limited to uncontrolled case series and retrospective reports, with no controlled trials available from that period.
American Journal of Psychiatry
April 1, 1967
Albert A. Kurland, Sanford M. Unger, John W. Shaffer et al.
56 citations
Psychedelic therapy for alcoholic patients may work by using LSD to induce a 'peak' experience that breaks through feelings of alienation. An exemplary session report and MMPI data from 69 pilot patients illustrate the approach. Current results suggest that adding psychedelic therapy significantly improves available alcoholic rehabilitation resources, but safe and effective use of LSD requires specialized training.
The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease
October 1, 1976
Richard Yensen, Francesco B. Di Leo, John Rhead et al.
51 citations
Ten neurotic outpatients (five men, five women) received up to 75 hours of psychotherapy over 2 to 6 months, with 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) administered as an adjunct in two to four sessions. The drug was well tolerated with no serious side effects. Pre- and post-treatment psychometric assessments, including the MMPI, Wittenborn Psychiatric Rating Scales, and Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, showed significant reductions in depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive traits, along with improvements in well-being and self-actualization. No patient worsened. A 6-month follow-up using the same measures plus a Social History Questionnaire supported these improvements.
Journal of Psychedelic Drugs
September 1, 1970
Walter N. Pahnke, Albert A. Kurland, Sanford M. Unger et al.
45 citations
A 1970 article describes the use of LSD in psychedelic therapy for cancer patients. The authors report that LSD-assisted therapy can produce profound psychological experiences that help patients confront existential distress, reduce anxiety and depression, and improve their quality of life during terminal illness. The therapy involves carefully controlled sessions with psychological support. The text suggests that such treatment may lead to lasting positive changes in patients' attitudes toward death and their remaining time. However, the article is a clinical description and case report, not a controlled trial, and the findings are based on the authors' clinical observations rather than systematic data.