LSD in a Coercive Milieu Therapy Program

Over five years, thirty patients in a maximum security mental hospital were treated with LSD. Three interviewing styles evolved: a medical model, a responsible street model, and a non-directive model. The interviewer's orientation significantly affected how patients perceived the LSD experience. Since no style had demonstrable merit over others, the non-directive model was deemed most reasonable. All patients reported great benefit, but no external changes were observed. Chromosomal studies showed increased breaks, but experts no longer see this as a contraindication. LSD in hospital was not seen as a factor leading to street drug use after release. Among psychopaths, one-third (6 of 18) acted out physically. With safeguards, the drug seemed safe and valuable for long-stay patients due to high morale.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Over a five-year period, thirty patients in a maximum security mental hospital were treated with LSD (500 mcmg. I.M.). Three different styles of interviewing procedure evolved with experience: a medical model, a “responsible street model”, and a non-directive model. The interviewer's orientation appeared to significantly affect the patient's perception of the LSD experience. Since it was felt by the authors that no one set of biased inputs has any demonstrable merit over any other, (except in satisfying the interviewer), the non-directive model was deemed most reasonable. Although all patients reported that the experience was of great benefit, no one else could see changes for better — or worse. Chromosomal studies showed the usual increased frequency of breaks. It is noted that cytogenetic experts do not now see this finding as a contraindication to the use of the drug. It was not thought that the LSD administration in hospital was a significant factor leading to use of street drugs after release. The only difference on administration to psychopaths and schizophrenics was that one-third of the psychopaths (6 of 18) acted out by punching or kicking at someone nearby. When used with the safeguards described, the drug seemed safe and valuable to use in our communities of long-stay patients, because of the high morale engendered.