The Effects of LSD on Body Sway Suggestibility in a Group of Hospital Patients

In short-term therapy using 75 to 200 micrograms of LSD over one to six sessions, the author observed that suggestibility appeared to be affected by the drug, an effect rarely noted in standard classifications of LSD. Helpful remarks made while patients were under the influence of LSD often proved far more effective than the same remarks made in ordinary interviews. The author suggests that classifying the phenomena of LSD intoxication could be oriented toward therapeutic dynamics or rely on purely descriptive, symptom-based terms.

Study at a glance

Abstract

In carrying out short term therapy involving one to six sessions with doses of 75 μ g. to 200 μ g. of LSD, the author gained a definite clinical impression that suggestibility was influenced by LSD, although there is little mention of such a parameter in the classification of LSD effects. Remarks meant to be helpful sometimes proved much more effective whilst patients were influenced by LSD than when they had been given in ordinary interview. Classification of the phenomena of LSD intoxication may have therapeutic orientation and dynamic concepts or it may draw on purely descriptive terms with symptomatic significance.