LSD and Mental Health

LSD Awareness, Research and Resources

“One of the therapists that has financially profited from the lore about archetypes is Dr Stanislav Grof, controversial for his LSD psychotherapy, and more recently, on account of his Holotropic Breathwork TM. The commercial trademark is surely indication of an investment that raises questions. Dr Grof describes in one of his books his vision of archetypes (including the anima) while under the influence of 200 milligrams of MDMA (known as ecstasy). That is not proof of archetypal significances, but rather a strong indication of confusions prevailing in alternative therapy. Archetypes are big business, whether or not they carry the credentials of LSD or Ecstasy.”― Kevin R.D. Shepherd

“Taking LSD was a profound experience, one of the most important things in my life. LSD shows you that there’s another side to the coin, and you can’t remember it when it wears off, but you know it. It reinforced my sense of what was important –creating great things instead of making money, putting things back into the stream of history and of human consciousness as much as I could.” —Steve Jobs

LSD and Mental Health Research

LSD and Mental Health
"LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) is a powerful hallucinogenic substance that can profoundly affect one's perception, thoughts, and feelings. It has been the subject of extensive research and discussion regarding its potential impact on mental health. Here are some key points to consider when it comes to LSD and mental health:

• Potential Therapeutic Use: Some research has suggested that psychedelics like LSD may have therapeutic potential for certain mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), and substance abuse disorders. Studies have explored the use of LSD in controlled, clinical settings to assist individuals in processing traumatic experiences and gaining insights into their mental health challenges. However, these studies are still in their early stages, and more research is needed.

• Risks and Mental Health: LSD is not without risks, especially when used recreationally or outside of a controlled therapeutic setting. The experience of an LSD trip can be unpredictable, and individuals may have intense and distressing hallucinations or thought patterns. This can lead to psychological distress, anxiety, or even exacerbate underlying mental health conditions.

• Psychosis Risk: There is a risk, although relatively low, of experiencing drug-induced psychosis during an LSD trip. This can manifest as hallucinations, paranoia, delusions, and disorganized thinking. In some cases, these effects can persist even after the drug has worn off, leading to a condition called hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD).

• Pre-existing Mental Health Conditions: Individuals with a history of mental health issues, particularly psychosis, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe anxiety disorders, may be more susceptible to negative effects when using LSD. The drug can potentially trigger or worsen symptoms in these individuals.

• Set and Setting: The context in which LSD is taken, known as "set and setting," can significantly influence the experience. A positive and supportive environment, along with a prepared and stable mindset, is crucial to minimize the risk of negative psychological reactions.

• Legal Status: The use, possession, and distribution of LSD are illegal in many countries, which can result in legal consequences and further complicate mental health issues.

• Long-term Effects: While there is limited evidence of long-term physical harm associated with LSD use, the long-term psychological impact is less clear. Prolonged or frequent use of LSD may contribute to persisting psychological effects or changes in mental health, but more research is needed in this area.

In summary, LSD has the potential to influence mental health in both positive and negative ways. It is essential to approach the substance with caution, especially if you have a history of mental health issues. Any exploration of LSD for therapeutic purposes should be conducted in a controlled and supervised clinical setting with trained professionals. Always seek guidance from healthcare providers and consider the legal implications before using LSD or any other hallucinogenic substance." (Source: ChatGPT 2023)

An Analysis of the problems presented in the use of LSD United Nations

Brain scans show how LSD mimics mind of a baby Reuters

Can LSD Cure Phantom Limb Pain For Amputees? Amplitude

Can LSD, Ecstasy and Psilocybin help Mental Health issues? northjersey

Changes in global and thalamic brain connectivity in LSD-induced altered states of consciousness are attributable to the 5-HT2A receptor eLife Sciences

Effects of LSD and Psilocybin in Healthy Participants Psychiatric Times

Hallucinogens and Dissociative Drugs: Including LSD, PCP, Ketamine, and Dextromethorphan U.S. Office of Justice Programs

Is LSD addictive? Brown University

LSD - A future antianxiety pill? McGill University Health Centre

LSD - My Problem Child  PDF Download Albert Hofmann

LSD May Chip Away at the Brain's "Sense of Self" Network Scientific American

Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) An Overview ScienceDirect

Lysergic Acid Diethylamide–Assisted Therapy in Patients With Anxiety With and Without a Life-Threatening Illness: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Phase II Study Biological Psychiatry

Mental Health and Psychedelic Resources Mental Health and Motivation

Modern Clinical Research on LSD ResearchGate

Microdosing LSD: Can It Help or Harm Mental Health? University of Chicago

Protein structure reveals how LSD affects the brain NIH

Psychiatric Experimentation With LSD in Historical Perspective PDF Download Sage Journals

Researchers are studying LSD as an Anxiety Treatment: 'A Mind-Opening experience' Vermont Public

Study Finds LSD Therapy Strikingly Effective at Reducing Anxiety and Depression "The Response was Surprisingly Sustained" Futurism

The brain on LSD revealed: first scans show how the drug affects the brain Imperial Collège London

The Effects and Hazards of LSD Medical News Today

The paradoxical psychological effects of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) Cambridge Core

Therapeutic Use of LSD in Psychiatry: A Systematic Review of Randomized-Controlled Clinical Trials Frontiers in Psychiatry

Treatment for LSD Abuse: How to Treat LSD Addiction American Addiction Centers

Using a MDMA- and LSD-Group Therapy Model in Clinical Practice in Switzerland and Highlighting the Treatment of Trauma-Related Disorders Frontiers in Psychiatry

How LSD and shrooms could help treat anxiety, addiction and depression - Video

🎓 Mental Health, Psychology and Relationship Resources