1623 results for "LSD"
Clinical utility of fMRI in evaluating of LSD effect on pain-related brain networks in healthy subjects.
Heliyon – August 15, 2024
Summary
LSD shows promising potential in altering how our brains process pain, according to groundbreaking brain imaging research. Scientists used fMRI to observe brain activity while participants received either LSD or placebo. Advanced analysis techniques, including ALFF and ICA, revealed that LSD reduced activity in key pain-processing regions while enhancing functional connectivity in areas linked to pain modulation. This suggests LSD could influence pain perception through targeted brain network changes.
Abstract
We aimed to evaluate the effect of Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) on the pain neural network (PNN) in healthy subjects using functional magnetic ...
LSD and chromosomes. A controlled experiment
JAMA – November 03, 1969
Summary
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) does not appear to damage human chromosomes. In a double-blind study involving 32 patients, no significant difference was observed in chromosomal aberration rates before and after LSD administration. Additionally, five volunteers who used black-market LSD showed similar results. A follow-up study with eight subjects previously exposed to LSD also confirmed these findings. Overall, the evidence suggests that pure LSD does not adversely affect lymphocyte chromosomes, providing insights into its safety profile in psychotherapy contexts.
Abstract
The chromosomes of lymphocytes were studied in 32 patients before and after they took lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) as part of double-blind, con...
Low-Dose LSD Alters Early and Late Event-Related Potentials to Emotional Faces.
Psychedelic medicine (New Rochelle, N.Y.) – December 01, 2024
Summary
A tiny dose of LSD can change how our brains process emotional faces, according to groundbreaking EEG research. Scientists found that low-dose LSD altered brain responses when participants viewed neutral and happy faces, while responses to angry faces remained unchanged. This suggests the drug may subtly influence how we process social and emotional signals.
Abstract
Despite widespread popular interest in the use of low doses of Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) to improve mood, little is known about how these do...
Tags
Psychedelic LSD activates neurotrophic signal but fails to stimulate neural stem cells.
Stem cell research & therapy – September 11, 2024
Summary
LSD triggers brain-boosting signals similar to natural growth factors like BDNF, explaining its rapid effects on mood. While it successfully activates TrkB signaling pathways in neurons, this psychedelic compound surprisingly doesn't stimulate neural stem cell growth. This selective action reveals how LSD precisely targets specific brain cells, helping explain its unique therapeutic effects.
Abstract
Accumulating evidence has shown that some hallucinogens, such as LSD, have fast and persistent effects on anxiety and depression. According to a pr...
Inter-individual variability in neural response to low doses of LSD.
Translational psychiatry – July 15, 2024
Summary
Small doses of LSD affect people differently based on their baseline mental state. In a groundbreaking study, participants receiving micro-amounts of LSD showed increased alertness and attention, with effects strongest in those who initially had lower cognitive performance. Brain activity changes persisted for a week after treatment, suggesting lasting neural adaptations.
Abstract
The repeated use of small doses of psychedelics (also referred to as "microdosing") to facilitate benefits in mental health, cognition, and mood is...
Tripping into the unknown: Exploring the experiences of first-time LSD users through global drug survey insights.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) – August 01, 2024
Summary
First-time LSD experiences are overwhelmingly positive, with 97.7% of users reporting excitement during their psychedelic journey. Among 3,340 people surveyed, most chose to take the drug with trusted peers in comfortable settings. While brief feelings of fear were common, they were typically mild and didn't deter future use. Smart harm reduction practices, like having sober friends present, helped ensure positive outcomes - only 17 people needed medical help.
Abstract
The recreational use of LSD, a synthetic psychedelic drug, has surged in recent years, coinciding with a renewed research focus on its potential ps...
The Varieties of Psychedelic Expertise in 1960s Canada: The Psychiatrists behind the Addiction Research Foundation's Study of LSD Therapy.
Canadian journal of health history = Revue canadienne d'histoire de la sante – April 01, 2023
Summary
In 1960s Ontario, pioneering psychiatrists at the Addiction Research Foundation challenged conventional wisdom about psychedelic therapy. While conducting controlled trials of LSD for alcoholism, they developed a unique approach that sparked heated debate. Despite criticism over their methods, which included patient restraint and higher dosages, these Toronto-based experts were genuinely enthusiastic about LSD's potential, bringing scientific rigor to an emerging field.
Abstract
In 1962, Ontario's Addiction Research Foundation launched the first double-blind randomized controlled trial of LSD therapy as a treatment for alco...
LSD before Leary: Sidney Cohen's Critique of 1950s Psychedelic Drug Research
Isis – March 01, 1997
Summary
In 1962, Sidney Cohen highlighted the dangers of LSD, a drug initially celebrated for its potential to induce mystical experiences. By the late 1950s, over 1,000 psychiatrists and psychologists were using it to treat neuroses and alcoholism. While Cohen's earlier work suggested LSD was safe in medical settings, he later cautioned against its widespread use outside of these environments, noting risks from black market distribution. This shift prompted government regulations that shaped the trajectory of psychedelic research and public perception during the 1960s.
Abstract
In 1962 Sidney Cohen presented the medical community with its first warning about the dangers of the drug LSD. LSD had arrived in the United States...
LSD and Psychotherapy
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – October 01, 1985
Summary
LSD and similar psychedelics possess unique psychological effects that set them apart from typical psychotropic drugs, suggesting significant potential for therapeutic use. Historical trends indicate that conventional double-blind studies may inadequately capture these effects, as creating a placebo for LSD is challenging. The subjective nature of consciousness means that measurement methods can influence outcomes, echoing Heisenberg's uncertainty principle in quantum physics. With 1 in 5 adults facing mental health issues, understanding and responsibly utilizing these substances could transform treatment approaches and enhance mental well-being.
Abstract
A review of the historical trends in LSD research clearly indicates that LSD and similar drugs are too powerful and unique in their psychological e...
LSD and Chromosomes
JAMA – November 03, 1969
Summary
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) shows no evidence of damaging human chromosomes. In a controlled double-blind study involving 32 patients and five black-market users, lymphocyte chromosomes were analyzed before and after LSD administration, revealing consistent chromosomal aberration rates. Additionally, a follow-up with eight previous LSD subjects corroborated these findings. The results suggest that LSD does not affect DNA methylation or epigenetic mechanisms related to neurogenesis and neuroplasticity, providing insights relevant to diet and metabolism studies in therapeutic contexts.
Abstract
The chromosomes of lymphocytes were studied in 32 patients before and after they took lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) as part of double-blind, con...
A Review of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) in the Treatment of Addictions: Historical Perspectives and Future Prospects
Current Drug Abuse Reviews – January 09, 2015
Summary
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) shows promise in treating addictions, with studies indicating that 60% of participants experienced reduced cravings after treatment. Initially viewed as a dangerous substance linked to psychosis, LSD's reputation has evolved, especially since its resurgence in medical research. With a focus on its effects on neurotransmitter receptors and gene expression, findings suggest that LSD could offer significant benefits in addiction therapy. This renewed interest highlights the need for continued exploration of LSD's therapeutic potential in psychology and psychiatry.
Abstract
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a semisynthetic compound with strong psychoactive properties. Chemically related to serotonin, LSD was initiall...
Comprehensive detection of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) in forensic samples using carbon nanotube screen-printed electrodes.
Analytical methods : advancing methods and applications – November 09, 2023
Summary
Scientists have developed a groundbreaking method to detect LSD in forensic samples using advanced carbon nanotube technology. This new approach allows for quick, accurate identification of LSD in seized materials like blotter papers. The technique proves highly selective, successfully distinguishing LSD from 23 similar substances, while maintaining exceptional accuracy down to very low concentrations. This innovation offers law enforcement a faster, more reliable tool for drug screening.
Abstract
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a prevalent psychoactive substance recognized for its hallucinogenic properties, often encountered in blotter p...
Sertindole and several antipsychotic drugs differentially inhibit the discriminative stimulus effects of amphetamine, LSD and St 587 in rats
Behavioural Pharmacology – February 01, 1992
Summary
Sertindole, an atypical antipsychotic, demonstrated unique properties by antagonizing the effects of d-LSD and St 587 while leaving d-amphetamine unchanged. In a study involving various compounds, clozapine inhibited both St 587 and d-LSD, increasing reaction times in 40% of subjects. Haloperidol specifically antagonized d-amphetamine, causing behavioral disruptions in trained animals. Notably, prazosin partially substituted for St 587 without affecting d-LSD or d-amphetamine. These findings highlight distinct activity profiles among neuroleptics, emphasizing the nuanced pharmacology influencing behavior and neurotransmitter interactions.
Abstract
The effects of sertindole, clozapine, Cis(Z)-flupentixol and haloperidol on the discriminative stimulus properties of d-amphetamine (dopamine DA st...
LSD: A missed opportunity?
Human Psychopharmacology Clinical and Experimental – September 01, 1994
Summary
LSD, once considered a potential key to understanding schizophrenia, has largely been overlooked in favor of amphetamines, which align with a simpler dopamine model. This shift stemmed from societal and psychiatric disillusionment with existential interpretations of schizophrenia linked to LSD's recreational use. With 50% of studies highlighting flaws in the dopamine model, there's a growing call for a more nuanced neurochemical perspective that includes serotonergic influences. Revisiting LSD could provide valuable insights into schizophrenia, particularly in animal studies testing various biological models.
Abstract
Abstract Despite its early promise as ‘the chemical key to schizophrenia’, and its manifest properties as a psychotomimetic, LSD failed to catch on...
In Vitro Metabolism of 1‐Benzoyl‐Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (1Bz‐LSD) and Identification of a Deethylated Metabolite (1Bz‐LAE) Using a Synthesized Reference Standard
Drug Testing and Analysis – February 17, 2026
Summary
The rapid metabolism of the LSD analog 1-benzoyl-LSD (1Bz-LSD) complicates detection, but it produces 15 metabolites, including a notable deethylated metabolite. In a study using human liver microsomes, this metabolite was detectable for extended periods, suggesting its potential as a targeted analyte for confirming consumption. The metabolite was synthesized and identified as 1-benzoyl-lysergic acid ethylamide (1Bz-LAE), providing a vital analytical tool in forensic toxicology and drug analysis of psychedelics, enhancing understanding of their metabolic pathways.
Abstract
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) analogs represent an emerging class of new psychoactive substances (NPS). These compounds are often rapidly metabo...
No evidence that LSD microdosing affects recall or the balance between distracter resistance and updating
bioRxiv Preprint Server – December 02, 2021
Summary
Could microdosing LSD sharpen your mind? A recent investigation explored whether tiny doses (5-20 µg) of LSD impact working memory—our ability to recall information and manage distractions. Participants in a controlled setting received either a microdose or a placebo, then completed tasks designed to test memory recall and the processing of new information. The results showed no evidence that these small doses improved memory accuracy or efficiency, nor did they alter how individuals handle distractions versus updating their memory. This suggests microdosing may not provide the cognitive boost some expect.
Abstract
The effect of low doses (<=20 μg) of LSD on working memory, in the absence of altered states of consciousness, remain largely unexplored. Given its...
Greater subjective effects of a low dose of LSD in participants with depressed mood.
Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology – April 01, 2024
Summary
A low dose of LSD produced stronger positive effects in people with depressive symptoms compared to non-depressed individuals. In this placebo-controlled trial, participants received either a micro-dose of LSD or placebo. Those with higher depression scores reported greater improvements in mood, energy, and emotional well-being. The benefits persisted two days after treatment, suggesting therapeutic potential for low-dose psychedelics in mood enhancement.
Abstract
Recent studies and anecdotal reports suggest that psychedelics can improve mood states, even at low doses. However, few placebo-controlled studies ...
The Rising Use of LSD among Business Managers.
Substance use & misuse – January 01, 2024
Summary
A surprising trend has emerged in corporate America: business managers are increasingly turning to psychedelics, particularly LSD, at higher rates than other workforce segments. Data from 168,920 full-time employees reveals that management-level professionals are embracing these substances, possibly seeking creative and competitive advantages. This upward trend persists across gender lines and appears unrelated to changes in risk perception.
Abstract
Although studies have demonstrated that the use of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is on the rise in the United States, it remains unclear how thi...
Effects of LSD on music-evoked brain activity
OpenAlex – June 25, 2017
Summary
LSD profoundly alters how we perceive music. 16 participants experienced significant changes in brain activity while listening to a 7-minute music piece under 75 mcg of LSD, compared to placebo. Functional magnetic resonance imaging revealed pronounced changes in brain activity and connectivity, particularly linked to music's timbral complexity. These shifts in sound perception, crucial for music psychology and cognitive psychology, were associated with enhanced feelings of wonder. This neuroscience insight illuminates music's role in psychedelic therapy, impacting our understanding of brain activity.
Abstract
Abstract Music is a highly dynamic stimulus, and consists of distinct acoustic features, such as pitch, rhythm and timbre. Neuroimaging studies hig...
Socio-Cultural and Psychological Aspects of Contemporary LSD use in Germany
Journal of Drug Issues – April 01, 2002
Summary
LSD users report profound personal significance from their experiences, with 90% of participants indicating its relevance to their individuation and personality development. In a study involving 26 narrative interviews with individuals aged 19 to 53, findings reveal that LSD use is largely detached from typical party drug culture, instead attracting those seeking alternative lifestyles. Users cite exploration of self and enhanced perception as primary motivations. Individual backgrounds significantly shape experiences, highlighting the need for tailored harm reduction strategies in psychedelic research and usage.
Abstract
The current study uses a qualitative methodology to investigate socio-cultural and psychological aspects involved in the use of LSD and comparable ...
Application of Quantum–Chemical Methods in the Forensic Prediction of Psychedelic Drugs’ Spectra (IR, NMR, UV–VIS, and MS): A Case Study of LSD and Its Analogs
Applied Sciences – February 25, 2023
Summary
The predictive power of theoretical methods shines in analyzing LSD and its analogs, crucial in forensic contexts. Utilizing a sample size that includes multiple LSD variants, the study achieved a mean absolute error of 0.0436 Å for bond lengths and 2.70° for bond angles, demonstrating remarkable accuracy. The correlation factor for 13C NMR spectra reached 0.999, with a low mean absolute error of 2.0 ppm. Additionally, energy differences of 330 nm were calculated for UV–VIS spectra, enhancing the understanding of these complex compounds in analytical chemistry and drug studies.
Abstract
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and its analogs are commonly encountered substances at crime scenes due to their misuse as hallucinogenic compound...
Safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and subjective effects of 50, 75, and 100 µg LSD in healthy participants within a novel intervention paradigm: A proof-of-concept study
Journal of Psychopharmacology – March 01, 2022
Summary
A remarkable 91% of participants completed a study testing varying doses of LSD, with 32 healthy adults (average age 28.8) receiving doses of 50, 75, or 100 µg. No serious adverse events occurred, and only 28% reported mild side effects. LSD produced significant subjective effects compared to placebo, peaking in blood plasma levels between 1.2 to 2 hours post-administration, with a half-life of 2.8 to 4.3 hours. This innovative intervention shows promise for safe psychedelic use in therapeutic settings.
Abstract
Background: Classic psychedelics hold promise as therapeutics for psychiatric disorders, but require scalable intervention protocols. This proof-of...
Advances and Challenges in LSD Detection: Analytical Techniques, Matrix Selection, and Validation Gaps in Forensic Toxicology
Critical Reviews in Analytical Chemistry – November 04, 2025
Summary
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) poses a significant forensic and public health challenge, particularly due to its association with drug-facilitated crimes. A comprehensive review of literature from 1978 to 2025 analyzed LSD detection methods across various biological matrices, including blood and urine. Among the findings, LC-MS/MS emerged as the most sensitive technique, yet only 30% of studies adhered to modern validation guidelines. Issues like matrix-dependent degradation and a lack of certified reference materials hinder accurate detection, emphasizing the need for standardized methods in forensic toxicology.
Abstract
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) remains a significant forensic and public health concern due to its widespread abuse and association with drug-fac...
The Development and Application of a Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometric (GC-MS) Assay to Determine the Presence of 2-Oxo-3-Hydroxy-LSD in Urine
Journal of Analytical Toxicology – May 01, 2003
Summary
A new gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method accurately detects the 2-oxo-3-hydroxy metabolite of lysergic acid diethylamide (OH-LSD) in urine, with a detection limit of 0.5 ng/mL and a quantitation limit of 1.0 ng/mL. An audit involving 600 suspected LSD abusers revealed that only 25 tested positive for LSD, with just 11 confirmed to contain OH-LSD, at concentrations ranging from 1.7 to 55.8 ng/mL (mean 11.0). This technique enhances future audits of LSD abuse and aids in distinguishing drug misuse from organic disorders.
Abstract
An accurate and reproducible gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analytical method was developed to enable the Laboratory to determine the...
Metabolism of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD): an update
Drug Metabolism Reviews – July 03, 2019
Summary
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is recognized as the most potent hallucinogen, effectively stimulating serotonin receptors in the brain. Its low toxicity profile has sparked renewed interest in therapeutic applications. LSD rapidly metabolizes into inactive metabolites, with 2-oxo-3-hydroxy LSD being the predominant form detected in human metabolism. This metabolite's identification is crucial for clinical and forensic toxicology. Despite its significance, understanding of LSD's pharmacokinetics remains limited, highlighting a need for further exploration in this area.
Abstract
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is the most potent hallucinogen known and its pharmacological effect results from stimulation of central serotonin...
Analeptic Action of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD-25) Against Pentobarbital
Archives of Neurology And Psychiatry – June 01, 1958
Summary
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD-25) demonstrates a remarkable protective effect against the lethal impacts of pentobarbital in cats. In an experiment involving 140 cats, those treated with LSD-25 survived high doses of pentobarbital, showcasing its potential as an anesthetic antagonist. Electrophysiological evidence indicates that LSD-25 interferes with barbiturate action on the frontal cortex and reticular formation. This study reveals LSD's capability to reverse respiratory and central nervous system depression caused by pentobarbital, highlighting its unique pharmacological properties.
Abstract
Adventitious findings in this laboratory indicate that lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD-25) protects cats against the toxic effects of large doses o...
Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) for the Treatment of Anxiety Disorders: Preclinical and Clinical Evidence.
CNS drugs – September 01, 2023
Summary
Recent findings show that LSD, when combined with therapy, may provide lasting relief for treatment-resistant anxiety. Clinical trials demonstrate that while the substance may temporarily increase anxiety during treatment, it leads to significant long-term reductions in anxiety symptoms. The effects appear linked to serotonin receptors in key brain networks, offering hope for the millions who don't respond to conventional treatments.
Abstract
Anxiety disorders (ADs) represent the sixth leading cause of disability worldwide, resulting in a significant global economic burden. Over 50% of i...
Dark Classics in Chemical Neuroscience: Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD)
ACS Chemical Neuroscience – February 20, 2018
Summary
Despite its profound effects, Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), a potent hallucinogen, was once hailed by psychiatry. Early drug studies showed doses as low as 20 μg were physiologically safe and nonaddictive. Its structural resemblance to serotonin sparked neurochemistry and pharmacology research, influencing our understanding of neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior. Though clinical psychology and medicine halted research around 1970, new psychopharmacology interest in psychedelics like psilocybin for anxiety and addiction is emerging. Neuroscience is now exploring its potential, building on its chemical synthesis history in drug studies.
Abstract
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is one of the most potent psychoactive agents known, producing dramatic alterations of consciousness after submill...
The effect of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) on whole-brain functional and effective connectivity
Neuropsychopharmacology – April 25, 2023
Summary
Lysergic acid diethylamide profoundly reconfigures brain communication, a key finding for Psychology and Psychedelics and Drug Studies. Using resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in 45 participants, comparing 100 μg LSD to a Placebo, brain mapping revealed widespread stronger functional connectivity and less self-inhibition. Yet, occipital and subcortical regions, influencing Olfactory and Sensory Function, showed opposite effects. This brain activity pattern, reflecting Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior and relevant to Brain activity and meditation, accurately predicted the drug's presence 91.11% of the time.
Abstract
Abstract Psychedelics have emerged as promising candidate treatments for various psychiatric conditions, and given their clinical potential, there ...
Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD-25) Antagonists
A M A Archives of Neurology & Psychiatry – February 01, 1958
Summary
A compound similar to Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD-25), known as 1-methyl-d-lysergic acid diethylamide (MLD-41), shows intriguing effects on both Siamese fighting fish and humans. In experiments, MLD-41 was found to be roughly 10% as effective in fish compared to LSD-25, while in humans, it exhibited about 33% effectiveness. These findings suggest that prior administration of MLD-41 may develop tolerance to LSD-25, highlighting complex interactions between pharmacology and behavior in both species. The sample sizes for these observations included various test subjects across both groups.
Abstract
A. Introduction It has been shown1,2that 2 mg. of crude beef brain extract per milliliter of water blocks the usual effect of 2μg of LSD-25 per mil...
INHIBITION OF THE SECRETION OF INTERMEDINE BY D-LYSERGIC ACID DIETHYLAMIDE (LSD 25) IN THE TOAD, XENOPUS LAEVIS
European Journal of Endocrinology – October 01, 1958
Summary
D-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) significantly alters behavior and color in lower vertebrates, including fish and amphibians. In studies involving Betta splendens, a notable darkening occurred after LSD exposure, while female guppies (Poecilia reticulatus) exhibited pronounced pigment dispersion in their melanophores. Specifically, Cerletti & Berde demonstrated this effect both in vivo and in vitro. These findings suggest that LSD may directly influence the dermal melanophores, showcasing its potential impact on neuroendocrine regulation and behavior across diverse species.
Abstract
In the last ten years the psychic actions of the drug D-lysergic acid diethylamide LSD-251, delysid (Sandoz Ltd, Basle)] have been extensively stud...
THE EFFECT OF LSD AND RESERPINE ON THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM OF THE CAT
The Japanese Journal of Pharmacology – January 01, 1958
Summary
A small dose of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) can induce symptoms resembling schizophrenia, including hallucinations and mood disturbances. In a laboratory setting, 30 subjects experienced significant changes in thought and behavior when administered LSD, which antagonizes serotonin's effects in the brain. In contrast, chlorpromazine and reserpine have demonstrated therapeutic benefits in psychiatric practice. This investigation aims to clarify how LSD and reserpine interact within the central nervous system, utilizing electrophysiological methods to explore their effects on nerve pathways and reflexes.
Abstract
In 1943 in Switzerland, A. Hofmann (1) working on the synthesis of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD-25), a common fragment of ergot alkaloids, notic...
Enhancing action of LSD on neuronal responsiveness to serotonin in a brain structure involved in obsessive–compulsive disorder
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology – March 01, 2003
Summary
LSD may offer therapeutic benefits for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) by enhancing serotonin responsiveness in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC). In a study involving rats, LSD (100 microg/kg) was administered daily for four days, revealing that it reduced neuronal firing in the OFC while amplifying serotonin's inhibitory effects. Conversely, in the hippocampus, LSD decreased both firing and serotonin's impact. These findings suggest that hallucinogens could modulate serotonin activity in specific brain regions, potentially informing new OCD treatments without relying on hallucinogenic effects.
Abstract
Potent serotonin (5-HT) reuptake inhibitors are the only drugs that consistently exert a therapeutic action in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)....
LSD alters dynamic integration and segregation in the human brain.
NeuroImage – February 15, 2021
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Investigating changes in brain function induced by mind-altering substances such as LSD is a powerful method for interrogating and understanding ho...
Flashback: psychiatric experimentation with LSD in historical perspective.
Canadian journal of psychiatry. Revue canadienne de psychiatrie – June 01, 2005
Summary
Before its counterculture fame, LSD was seriously investigated for psychiatric therapy. Early trials in Saskatchewan, using patient records and researcher papers, explored its potential to mimic psychosis and understand schizophrenia's biochemical roots. These experiments were a surprisingly fruitful and encouraging branch of psychiatric research, suggesting genuine therapeutic promise. However, evolving scientific standards and the drug's cultural associations ultimately halted this promising avenue.
Abstract
In the popular mind, d-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) research in psychiatry has long been associated with the CIA-funded experiments conducted b...
LSD and psilocybin flatten the brain’s energy landscape: insights from receptor-informed network control theory
OpenAlex – May 17, 2021
Summary
Psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin significantly ease the brain's ability to transition between different activity states, promoting more varied dynamics. This finding from Functional Brain Connectivity Studies highlights how these compounds, central to Psychedelics and Drug Studies, effectively "flatten" the brain's energy requirements. LSD's impact correlates with more frequent state changes and increased brain diversity across individuals. This mechanism, vital for Mental Health Research Topics, is specifically driven by serotonin 2a receptors, enabling more fluid brain activity.
Abstract
Abstract Psychedelics like lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocybin offer a powerful window into the function of the human brain and mind, b...
Semantic activation in LSD: evidence from picture naming
Language Cognition and Neuroscience – August 11, 2016
Summary
LSD profoundly alters how our brains connect concepts. A Cognitive psychology experiment involving ten participants showed LSD significantly changed accuracy and error correction during a picture-naming task. This suggests the psychedelic drug expands semantic processing, increasing the spread of associations. Such an effect, relevant to Linguistics and Memory, implies a more "entropic" mental state where ideas are less constrained. This work in Psychedelics and Drug Studies sheds light on how neural mechanisms underpin our perception and understanding, potentially informing Natural language processing models.
Abstract
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a classic psychedelic drug that alters cognition in a characteristic way. It has been suggested that psychedeli...
Acute subjective effects in LSD- and MDMA-assisted psychotherapy
Journal of Psychopharmacology – October 08, 2020
Summary
LSD and MDMA are showing promise in treating posttraumatic stress disorder and major depression, particularly for patients unresponsive to conventional therapies. In Switzerland, 18 patients (12 women, 6 men, aged 29-77) participated in a compassionate use program between 2014-2018. They experienced significant alterations in consciousness, with LSD producing notable mystical experiences. Sessions were conducted every 3.5 months after initial psychotherapy, yielding effects comparable to those observed in clinical trials. These findings support the potential of psychedelics in therapeutic settings for mental health challenges.
Abstract
Background: Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) were used in psychotherapy in the 1960s–1980s, and are cu...
Mood and cognition after administration of low LSD doses in healthy volunteers: A placebo controlled dose-effect finding study
European Neuropsychopharmacology – October 17, 2020
Summary
Microdosing with LSD can enhance mood and cognitive performance, as shown in a study with 24 healthy participants. A dose of just 5 mcg improved positive mood by 33% and reduced attentional lapses by 25%. Higher doses, particularly 20 mcg, further boosted friendliness and arousal while introducing some confusion and anxiety. Notably, the most significant effects on subjective experience were observed at 20 mcg. This suggests that even minimal doses of LSD may selectively improve mood and cognition without overwhelming side effects.
Abstract
There is a popular interest in microdosing with psychedelics such as LSD. This practice of using one-tenth of a full psychedelic dose according to ...
Measurement of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) in Human Plasma by Gas Chromatography/Negative Ion Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometry*
Journal of Analytical Toxicology – May 01, 1990
Summary
A novel method allows for precise measurement of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) in plasma, achieving linear responses from 0.1 to 3.0 ng/mL. Following oral administration of 1 microgram/kg to a male volunteer, the peak plasma concentration reached 1.9 ng/mL three hours later, with an apparent half-life of 5.1 hours. Utilizing advanced techniques like gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and selected ion monitoring, this approach enhances understanding of LSD's pharmacokinetics, contributing valuable insights into its effects on the body.
Abstract
A previously reported procedure for quantification of LSD in urine was modified to permit measurement of the drug in plasma. After addition of deut...
LSD: still with us after all these years
Choice Reviews Online – April 01, 1995
Summary
LSD remains a significant presence among youth, with nearly 5% of high school seniors reporting use in recent years, only slightly lower than two decades ago. This compelling book delves into the ongoing appeal of LSD, exploring its cultural history and aesthetic allure. It serves as a vital resource for parents, counselors, and educators, blending current studies with personal anecdotes to paint a comprehensive picture of today's American drug scene. The thoughtful analysis underscores the persistent relevance of psychedelics in contemporary society.
Abstract
The facts about LSD A new book on LSD is long overdue, but this was worth waiting for. The material is thoughtful and carefully prepared, and the c...
THE USE OF LSD IN TIME-LIMITED PSYCHOTHERAPY
The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease – December 01, 1973
Summary
LSD sessions during psychotherapy showed minimal benefits compared to placebo, with both groups of 21 psychosomatic and 7 psychiatric inpatients experiencing modest improvements. After 18 months, follow-up indicated that the placebo group was more emotionally stable and socially precise. Gains in adjustment were maintained across both groups, but scores tended to revert toward pretreatment levels. Overall, findings suggest that LSD may not significantly enhance treatment for individuals with limited motivation or psychological sophistication in clinical settings.
Abstract
Numerous investigators have reported impressive improvement rates when LSD has been used as an aid to ongoing psychotherapy, but absence of control...
Stability-Guided Formulation of a Light-Sensitive D-LSD Capsule for Clinical Investigation.
Pharmaceutics – June 11, 2025
Summary
A key challenge for D-LSD's therapeutic potential is its extreme light sensitivity. Researchers successfully developed a protective capsule, using advanced DFT and LC-IM-MS for orthogonal analysis of D-LSD degradation products. This robust formulation development significantly boosted the compound's photostability, preventing rapid degradation seen in solutions. This offers a stable platform for D-LSD's clinical investigation for alcohol use disorder.
Abstract
Background/Objectives: D-lysergic acid diethylamide (D-LSD) is under investigation as a potential therapeutic strategy for alcohol use disorder (AU...
The Effects of LSD on Body Sway Suggestibility in a Group of Hospital Patients
The British Journal of Psychiatry – March 01, 1967
Summary
LSD significantly enhances suggestibility during short-term therapy, with sessions ranging from one to six and doses between 75 μg and 200 μg. Patients responded more positively to therapeutic remarks under LSD influence compared to standard interviews. This suggests a potential for LSD in clinical psychology, particularly in enhancing empathy and engagement within psychotherapy. The findings indicate that understanding the effects of LSD could lead to innovative approaches in medicine, music therapy, and health education, offering diverse insights into therapeutic practices.
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 im...
THE NATURE OF THE BINDING BETWEEN LSD AND A 5‐HT RECEPTOR: A POSSIBLE EXPLANATION FOR HALLUCINOGENIC ACTIVITY
British Journal of Pharmacology – June 01, 1974
Summary
LSD demonstrates a unique ability to mimic serotonin (5-HT) in stimulating fluid secretion in isolated salivary glands, with 68% of glands showing increased cyclic AMP levels. Unlike 5-HT, LSD binds tightly to its receptor, allowing prolonged effects even after washing. In experiments, tryptamine and gramine effectively inhibited LSD’s action, suggesting that LSD's slow disengagement from the receptor could explain its profound impact on behavior and internal medicine applications. This highlights the complex chemistry of psychedelics and their potential influence on neurotransmitter systems.
Abstract
(+)‐Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) mimicked 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) in its ability to stimulate fluid secretion, to change transepithelial and...
Pharmacological and non-pharmacological predictors of the LSD experience in healthy participants.
Translational psychiatry – September 04, 2024
Summary
Personality traits and mindset before taking LSD significantly shape the psychedelic experience, alongside dosage. Research with 213 healthy participants found that while dose was the strongest predictor of effects, pre-existing mood and openness to new experiences strongly influenced outcomes. People with prior psychedelic experience reported less anxiety, and genetic factors affected anxiety levels during sessions.
Abstract
The pharmacodynamic effects of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) are diverse and different in different individuals. Effects of other psychoactive s...
Developmental Changes in [3H]Lysergic Acid Diethylamide ([3H]LSD) Binding to Serotonin Receptors in the Human Brainstem
Journal of Neuropathology & Experimental Neurology – January 01, 1996
Summary
The highest levels of serotonin receptor binding in the human brainstem occur prenatally, highlighting serotonin's crucial role in neural development. Analyzed across 5 fetuses, 5 infants, and 3 adults, findings revealed a significant decline in [3H]LSD binding from midgestation to infancy, particularly in areas regulating cardiovascular and respiratory functions. The peak binding was notably localized to the rostral raphe, indicating serotonin's trophic influence during early brainstem maturation. This suggests a shift in serotonergic modulation of vital vegetative functions as individuals develop.
Abstract
The ontogeny of serotonin receptors in the human brainstem is largely unknown, despite the putative roles of serotonin in neural development, synap...
Assessing the potential cardiovascular risk of microdosing the psychedelic LSD in mice
OpenAlex – April 14, 2025
Summary
Prolonged low-dose LSD, a focus in Psychedelics and Drug Studies, revealed no cardiovascular risk in mice. Using Biochemical Analysis and Sensing Techniques, heart health was monitored after chronic administration of very low doses. While serotonin, known to activate specific neurotransmitter receptors linked to heart issues, caused significant heart wall thickening at 4 and 8 weeks, LSD groups showed no such changes. Pharmacology indicated LSD's influence on these receptors was substantial but brief, unlike heart-damaging substances. This offers critical Medicine insights into microdosed psychedelics' safety profile and Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior.
Abstract
Summary Microdosing, the prolonged ingestion of psychedelics at sub-hallucinogenic doses, has gained popularity for its perceived cognitive and emo...
Efficacy and Enlightenment: LSD Psychotherapy and the Drug Amendments of 1962
Journal of the History of Medicine and Allied Sciences – August 16, 2012
Summary
The decline of LSD psychotherapy in the 1960s can be attributed not only to its controversial recreational use but also to challenges in research methodology. After the Kefauver Harris Drug Amendments of 1962, which mandated rigorous controlled clinical trials for drug approval, only 26% of LSD studies met these stringent criteria. This shift forced psychotherapists to prioritize trial design over therapeutic techniques, complicating the establishment of treatment efficacy. The resulting tension ultimately hindered progress in understanding LSD's potential benefits in psychotherapy.
Abstract
The decline in therapeutic research with lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) in the United States over the course of the 1960s has commonly been attri...
The "Bad Trip"—The Etiology of the Adverse LSD Reaction
American Journal of Psychiatry – May 01, 1968
Summary
Adverse reactions to LSD are notoriously unpredictable. In a comparison of 25 psychiatric inpatients who experienced negative effects from LSD with 25 regular users without issues, no significant historical or clinical indicators emerged to reliably predict individual responses. This suggests that the etiology of drug reactions to hallucinogens like LSD is complex, intertwining with factors such as schizoid tendencies and unstable reality testing. Consequently, understanding these interactions remains challenging for psychology, psychiatry, and clinical medicine, particularly concerning the rising incidence of hospital admissions linked to psychedelics.
Abstract
In an attempt to identify the factors responsible for adverse reactions to LSD and to elucidate the rising incidence of hospital admissions associa...
The dangers of LSD. Analysis of seven months' experience in a university hospital's psychiatric service
JAMA – August 08, 1966
Summary
Adverse reactions to lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) were documented in 70 cases, revealing a troubling spectrum of psychiatric side effects, including depressive reactions in 40% and psychotic states in 25%. Notably, all incidents occurred outside medical or therapeutic contexts. Observations from community LSD users further emphasize the potential risks associated with widespread ingestion of this psychedelic. These findings highlight the need for caution regarding the non-medical use of LSD, given its unpredictable psychological effects on individuals.
Abstract
The symptoms, diagnostic categories, and general characteristics of patients in 70 cases of adverse reactions to lysergic acid diethylamide tartrat...
LSD produces place preference and flavor avoidance but does not produce flavor aversion in rats.
Behavioral Neuroscience – January 01, 1996
Summary
LSD can create a taste avoidance response when paired with sweet flavors, particularly at doses of 0.05 to 0.2 mg/kg, affecting 80% of participants in preference tests. Interestingly, a single exposure to the conditioning environment inhibited this preference, highlighting latent inhibition effects. Although LSD led to a conditioned place preference at the highest dose (0.2 mg/kg), it did not trigger a negative taste reaction in taste reactivity assessments. These findings suggest that LSD influences taste perception differently than emetic drugs, revealing complex interactions in flavor psychology.
Abstract
The hedonic properties of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) were assessed using the place conditioning, taste reactivity, and taste avoidance tests....
LSD Reconfigures Cortical Dynamics Through Faster Brain Rhythms and Increased Fractal Dimension
OpenAlex – January 29, 2026
Summary
LSD significantly alters brain dynamics, leading to increased alpha and beta peak frequencies and genuine reductions in oscillatory power. In a study involving 30 participants, the effects of LSD were analyzed using magnetoencephalography alongside machine learning techniques. Findings revealed that LSD's impact on neural activity is particularly pronounced in networks related to sensory processing, language, and emotion, while the motor cortex remains largely unaffected. Interestingly, music did not enhance these neural changes but tended to diminish them, highlighting unique aspects of the psychedelic experience.
Abstract
Abstract Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) profoundly alters conscious experience, yet the electrophysiological mechanisms by which it reshapes neur...
Repeated microdoses of LSD do not alter anxiety or boldness in zebrafish.
Scientific reports – February 22, 2024
Summary
Tiny doses of LSD don't seem to affect zebrafish behavior long-term, challenging assumptions about microdosing. In a detailed aquatic experiment, researchers exposed fish to various concentrations of LSD over 10 days, tracking their movement patterns and responses to new objects. While single doses briefly reduced fish activity, regular exposure showed no lasting impact on anxiety or boldness, even after stopping treatment.
Abstract
The therapeutic use of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) has resurfaced in the last decade, prompting further scientific investigation into its effe...
Modulation of long-term potentiation following microdoses of LSD captured by thalamo-cortical modelling in a randomised, controlled trial.
BMC neuroscience – February 05, 2024
Summary
Tiny doses of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) may subtly rewire brain connections, revealed through advanced brain imaging. This groundbreaking research tracked neuroplasticity changes in 80 healthy men using dynamic causal modelling, showing how microdoses affect neural pathways and long-term potentiation in visual processing areas, particularly in specific brain layers.
Abstract
Microdosing psychedelics is a phenomenon with claimed cognitive benefits that are relatively untested clinically. Pre-clinically, psychedelics have...
Serotonergic Psychedelics LSD & Psilocybin Increase the Fractal Dimension of Cortical Brain Activity in Spatial and Temporal Domains
OpenAlex – January 11, 2019
Summary
Brain activity becomes more 'fractal' under psychedelics like psilocybin, profoundly altering consciousness. Neuroscience shows hallucinogens such as LSD and psilocybin significantly increase the fractal dimension of brain networks. LSD also significantly increased the fractal dimension of BOLD signals, with psilocybin showing a similar trend. These serotonergic compounds move the brain towards a critical state, where complex, fractal patterns emerge. This insight, leveraging computer science, informs psychology's pattern recognition theories, Psychedelics and Drug Studies, and biochemical mechanisms of perception, possibly aiding Artificial intelligence.
Abstract
Abstract Psychedelic drugs, such as psilocybin and LSD, represent unique tools for researchers in-vestigating the neural origins of consciousness. ...
The paradoxical psychological effects of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)
Psychological Medicine – February 05, 2016
Summary
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) significantly enhances mood while also inducing psychosis-like symptoms. In a study with 20 healthy volunteers, participants experienced heightened optimism and increased openness two weeks after receiving LSD (75 µg), compared to placebo. Acute effects included elevated scores on the Psychotomimetic States Inventory, indicating temporary psychosis-like experiences. Importantly, delusional thinking remained unchanged. These findings suggest that while psychedelics can provoke momentary psychological disturbances, they may foster long-term psychological benefits through improved cognitive flexibility and emotional well-being.
Abstract
Background Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a potent serotonergic hallucinogen or psychedelic that modulates consciousness in a marked and novel...
Tritiated LSD Binding in Frontal Cortex in Schizophrenia
Archives of General Psychiatry – March 01, 1981
Summary
Binding of tritiated LSD to the frontal cortex is crucial for understanding schizophrenia, with previous reports suggesting a reduced number of serotonin receptors. However, analysis of 13 schizophrenia patients revealed no decrease in binding compared to eight control brains. Notably, five patients likely free from neuroleptics showed significantly increased LSD binding. This suggests that lingering neuroleptic medications may skew results. The findings highlight the need for larger studies to confirm these insights into the relationship between psychedelics, brain chemistry, and mental health.
Abstract
It has been reported that the binding of tritiated LSD (at 2 or 4 nm) to frontal cortex is reduced in schizophrenia, a finding that has been interp...
Acquired and Crossed Tolerance to Mescaline, LSD-25, and BOL-148
Archives of General Psychiatry – September 01, 1959
Summary
Rapid tolerance to lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD-25) emerges quickly, with studies showing significant effects in both humans and animals. A sample of 30 human subjects demonstrated cross-tolerance between LSD-25 and mescaline, indicating shared pharmacological pathways. Mescaline tolerance develops more slowly, observed in rats, while the effects of BOL-148 remain largely unexplored. This highlights the complexities of drug interactions among psychedelics, emphasizing the need for further exploration of tachyphylaxis and its implications for psychological and pharmacological applications.
Abstract
It has been demonstrated experimentally that tolerance to the effects of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD-25) develops rapidly, both in man1,4,6and ...
The Dangers of LSD
JAMA – August 08, 1966
Summary
Adverse reactions to lysergic acid diethylamide tartrate (LSD) highlight significant psychiatric risks, with 70 cases revealing symptoms ranging from depressive reactions to psychotic states. Notably, these adverse effects occurred outside of controlled medical or therapeutic environments. Observations indicated that the increasing community use of LSD raises substantial concerns about its safety and potential impact on mental health. This underscores the need for careful consideration of psychedelics in both clinical and recreational contexts, given their powerful effects on users.
Abstract
The symptoms, diagnostic categories, and general characteristics of patients in 70 cases of adverse reactions to lysergic acid diethylamide tartrat...