Current Status and Future Trends in Psychedelic (LSD) Research

Abstract

SINCE the discovery of d4yser-gic acid diethylamide in 1943, a voluminous literature has accumulated concerning its effects on a variety of animals including man.1 Despite the mass of published reports, definitive evidence is generally lacking particularly with Iegard to the subjective and behavioral effects both during and subsequent to the LSD induced state. It well established that this powerful agent produces major alterations in cerebral processes and central autonomic functions. There is also ample evidence indicating a markedly lowered threshold for arousal (Key & Bradley, 1960) and an increased sensitivity to stimuli in all modalities (Klee, 1963). These psychopharmacological effects parallel the findings of clinical and behavioral studies at least on the molar descriptive level. Pronounced perceptual changes have been almost invariably demonstrated with concomitant alterations in affect, ideation, and the relationship between subject and environment (Hoffer, 1965). Beyond these rather global findings, results have been inconsistent and often contradictory even within -species far less complex than man (Cohen;.'

How the self became a problem: A psychological review of historical research.

“…One could interpret studies of worker satisfaction as dealing with techniques of fulfillment, but this seems to be stretching the point. Some research into meditation (e.g., Tart, 1969), and drug use (Klavetter & Mogar, 1967; Mogar, 1965; see Baumeister & Placidi, 1983) have conceived these as techniques for seeking fulfillment. As for nonfulfillment, one again must stretch to interpret the vast bulk of studies of frustration as if they dealt with nonfulfillment of human potential.…”

Psychoactive Substances and Paranormal Phenomena: A Comprehensive Review

“…This may be due to any number of factors, such as the lack of any such spontaneous phenomena within the psychiatric population, or the medicalization within psychiatry of paranormal experiences as delusion or hallucination. Indeed, Mogar (1965) noted that early psychoanalytic and behaviorist researchers using LSD were prejudiced against ESP phenomena. Yet, there is one study, a psychiatric-interview survey with users of LSD (Abraham, 1983), that reports precognitive experiences as one of the symptoms of the LSD flashback phenomena, now called hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (American Psychiatric Association, 2000).…”

Are Psychedelics Useful in the Practice of Buddhism?

“…His analysis provides conclusions that the drug experiences of unity, when they occur, are the most inclusive and comprehensive in including all aspects of reality and the totality of human consciousness, combining intellectual, sensory, and mystical aspects occurring simultaneously. Mogar (1965) provides an excellent review paper, pointing out the growing trends in psychiatry and psychology and the growing acceptance of a wider range of human capacities and functions as revealed through altered states of consciousness produced by a variety of means. An excellent summary of results obtained in psychedelic research is presented.…”