LSD

What is LSD?

LSD is a semi-synthetic hallucinogen, derived from lysergic acid, a natural compound found in ergot fungus.

It is synthesized by adding a diethylamide group to lysergic acid. LSD acts as an agonist at the serotonin receptor 5-HT2a and directly at the dopamine D2 receptor, a direct effect on dopamine receptors not found in other hallucinogens.

Like psilocybin, LSD increases functional connectivity in the brain, as well as effective connectivity, both of which are concepts used to characterize functional interactions within neural systems.

These increases are seen as having potential for psychotherapy.

Sources: Nr. 44, 45, 46, 47, 48

Researching LSD

Due to the negative reputation of LSD, research into its therapeutic use is not as widespread as with MDMA and psilocybin.

Especially older studies with negative results raised doubts about the use of LSD in psychotherapy.

However, these studies were not conducted under the strict regulations of the present time. As a result, there is now renewed interest in researching LSD to reevaluate its effects.  

Studies with LSD

LSD has shown some promising results in modern studies, particularly in the treatment of alcoholism and anxiety disorders.

The study "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" (2022) by F. Holze et al. found rapid improvements in symptoms of anxiety disorders and depression for up to 16 weeks after just two LSD sessions.

Such effects are typically achieved, if at all, only with daily medication, which can be costly for patients, especially in countries with inadequate healthcare systems.

Another study from 2014, which also examined the effects on anxiety disorders, yielded similar results. Patients experienced significant improvements over a year, with a 77.8% reduction in anxiety disorder symptoms and a 66.7% improvement in quality of life.

Patients reported easier access to emotions, confrontation of previously unknown fears and concerns, and a more intense perception of their feelings, describing their LSD-induced experience as a positive restructuring of emotional trust, understanding of situations, habits, and worldview.

Sources. Nr. 49, 50

In the study "Acute Mood-Elevating Properties of Microdosed Lysergic Acid Diethylamide in Healthy Volunteers: A Home-Administered Randomized Controlled Trial" on LSD microdosing, significant increases in inner peace, creativity, connectedness, energy, satisfaction, openness, and well-being were observed among participants. Noteworthy decreases included less stress, sadness, anger, and anxiety.

Sources: Nr. 51

Results

The number of studies on psychotherapeutic treatment with LSD is still insufficient to conclusively determine its benefits.

Current studies show promising results, but scientists are emphasizing the need for further research to obtain more detailed and meaningful results, in order to identify the potential and appropriate applications.

However, since LSD affects the brain in a similar way to psilocybin, this leaves us hoping for positive results in upcoming studies.