Model Psychoses Induced by LSD-25 in Normals

Experimental psychosis research has a long history, possibly beginning with Cannabis indica administered to ancient Hun warriors. Scientific experimental psychiatry emerged in the late 19th century during the Kraepelinian era, when the organic theory of psychoses was prominent. Beringer's experiments with mescaline marked a milestone, as many induced symptoms closely resembled those of schizophrenia and the drug showed selective affinity for the brain. The discovery of LSD-25 by Stoll and Hoffmann was even more significant because it worked similarly in infinitesimal amounts. Stoll (1947) proposed the pharmacological designation Phantastium for LSD-25 and classified the resulting model psychosis as acute.

Study at a glance

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Experimental psychosis has a long history. It might have started with the administration of Cannabis indica boiling in wine to the ancient Hun warriors, resulting in mental obfuscation, as they were prepared for surgery because of wounds sustained in battle. Scientific experimental psychiatry began toward the end of the last century, in the Kraepelinian era—when the organic theory of psychoses was in its fullest vogue. Beringer's experiments with mescaline1marked a milestone in research in that many of the symptoms induced were highly similar to those encountered in schizophrenia and the drug seemed to have had a selective affinity for the brain. The discovery of LSD-25* by Stoll and Hoffmann2was an even more exciting event, because the drug worked similarly in infinitesimal-trace amounts. Stoll3(1947) suggested the pharmacological designationPhantastiumfor this substance, and he classified the resultant model psychosis as that of the acute