The potential role of lysergic acid diethylamide for psychological assisted therapy: A meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials in healthy volunteers

Abstract

Objective In recent years, interest in using lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) in psychiatric research and corresponding therapy has increased rapidly. In this meta‐analysis, we explored the effects of LSD on healthy subjects with respect to subjective drug effects, blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature and side effects. Method PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched from January 2010 to December 2020 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effects of LSD in healthy people. Subsequently, 5 RCTs with 132 healthy people which focused on the effects of LSD were enrolled in our study. Result We found that taking 50, 100 and 200 mcg LSD doses were associated with a significant increase in the maximal difference from the baseline compared to the placebo group among the outcomes of AMRS (Adjective Mood Rating Scale) score. Significant differences existed between the LSD and placebo groups when taking 100 and 200 mcg LSD in acute adverse effects (100 mcg: SMD = .97, 95% confidence interval [CI], .50, 1.44, Z = 4.04, p < .001; 200 mcg: SMD = 1.18, 95% CI, 0.65, 1.72, Z = 4.32, p < .001). Conclusions Meta‐analysis of the subjective effects of LSD in healthy people revealed moderate significant effect sizes in favor of LSD with no significant adverse effects. A 100 mcg dose of LSD has potential for use in psychological‐assisted therapy and may improve the mental fitness of patients with disease‐related psychiatric distress. Additional clinical trials are necessary to explore the efficacy and safety of LSD as a psychological‐assisted therapy.

Associations between individual hallucinogens and hallucinogen misuse among U.S. Adults who recently initiated hallucinogen use

“…In addition, a recent meta -analysis of randomized control trials of LSD in healthy participants found that acute or subacute adverse effects (i.e., persisting panic, anxiety, etc.) could last anywhere from several hours up to twenty-four hours ( Li et al, 2022 ). Existing research that details the rapid onset of LSD tolerance is congruent with our findings linking LSD use to decreased effectiveness with continued use.…”

Potential Treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

“…The primary endpoint was measured by the changes from baseline in the Montgomery-Asber Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) total score over the 6-week treatment period calculated at each time point and averaged. The table below shows scores of the secondary endpoints with P-values for exemplary scale measured. …”