Psycholytic Therapy Using LSD: a Realist Review.
Brain and behavior April 1, 2026 Hamish Grime, Eugenia Drini 1 citation
A realist review of historical studies from 1954 to 1965 identifies features of psycholytic therapy—using LSD to enhance psychoanalytic therapy—that were associated with better outcomes and fewer adverse events. These features include a flexible, intuitive therapeutic approach, prompt correction of transference issues, continuous therapist presence, more than ten treatment sessions with extensive preparation, creative activities during integration, use of maximal tolerated doses, and avoidance of abrupt pharmacological termination. Psycholytic therapy showed potential to improve severe mental health conditions, particularly when trust in the therapist was fostered, helping address trauma-based responses resistant to psychotherapy alone.