LSD: Therapeutic Effects of the Psychedelic Experience
Charles Savage, Ethel Savage, James Fadiman, Willis Harman
Psychological Reports February 1, 1964 DOI: 10.2466/pr0.1964.14.1.111
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractIn a study of psychedelic therapy, patients received LSD and mescaline in a supportive setting after intensive preparation. Subjective questionnaires from 113 patients showed a high frequency of claimed benefit, a low frequency of negative reactions, and a strong link between claimed benefit and reports of 'greater awareness of ultimate reality' during the LSD experience. Clinical data from 74 cases, including blind ratings of MMPI profiles, supported the improvement rate. The total improvement rate was above 80%, with follow-ups ranging from 6 months to 2 years.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Observational study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 113 |
| Population | Patients receiving psychedelic therapy |
| Interventions | LSD mescaline |
| Duration | Follow-ups from 6 months to 2 years |
| Keywords | Psychedelic treatment Entheogenic therapy Psychological therapy Mental wellness Clinical benefits |
| Citations | 25 |
| Key finding | The total improvement rate was above 80%, with a high relation between claimed benefit and reported greater awareness of ultimate reality. |
Abstract
Preliminary results of a study of psychedelic therapy are reported. Patients receive LSD and mescaline in a supportive setting following intensive preparation. Subjective questionnaire data from 113 patients reveal a high frequency of claimed benefit, low frequency of negative reaction, and a high relation between claimed benefit and reported “greater awareness of ultimate reality” through the LSD experience. Clinical data on 74 cases including blind ratings of MMPI profiles substantiate the claimed improvement rate. Cases in each of five improvement categories are summarized and before, 2-mo.-after, and 6-mo.-after MMPI data are included. Total improvement rate is above 80%. Follow-ups range from 6 mo. to 2 yr.