This influential commentary (2005) briefly summarises the state of psychedelic research.

Abstract

“Psychedelic or hallucinogenic drugs such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), 3, 4, 5-trimethoxy-β-phenethylamine (mescaline), psilocybin, 3, 4-methylenedioxymethamph-etamine (MDMA), N, N-dimethyltrypta-mine (DMT) and their relations occur in abundance throughout the natural world, and have been used by humankind for thousands of years.”

Author: Ben Sessa

Summary

Ben Sessa

In some cultures, psychedelic or hallucinogenic drugs are important tools for spiritual experiences, whereas in others, they are labelled as dangerous drugs of misuse. This article offers a short overview of the role these compounds played in psychiatry for a brief historical interval.

Current Training and Knowledge about Psychedelics

Despite their history, psychedelics have dropped out of psychiatric dialogue for today’s trainee psychiatrists. In my own training, references to compounds like LSD, psilocybin and MDMA were usually followed by statements such as ‘have no medical use’.

There was a furious growth of scientific interest in psychedelic drugs in the years between the first synthesis of LSD in the 1930s and the disappearance of psychedelic research by the late 1960s. Many pioneers gave their careers to this field.

History of Psychedelic Research

Albert Hoffman first synthesized LSD-25 while studying derivatives of the fungus ergot for use as potential medicines. He accidentally absorbed some LSD during a laboratory session and experienced intense perceptual and emotional effects.

In 1951 psychiatrists began to experiment with LSD as a tool, and a presentation was made at the annual conference of the American Psychological Association. Initial work explored the possibility that psychedelics might be used as ‘psychotomimetics’, to mimic the mental states of patients with schizophrenia, and many health professionals were encouraged to partake in self-discovery or shared psychedelic experiences with their patients. Other research looked into using psychedelic drugs as adjuncts to psychotherapy.

In 1965, over 2000 papers had been published describing positive results for over 40 000 patients who took psychedelic drugs with few side-effects and a high level of safety.

There are currently projects under development in Spain, Israel and the USA looking at MDMA-assisted psychotherapy in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder and as a treatment for anxiety and depression associated with cancer. Other research includes a double-blind placebo controlled study in Russia using ketamine in the treatment of heroin addiction.

Ongoing Problems with Current Research

Although drug misuse remains a growing phenomenon in our global society, the image of psychedelics has been severely damaged by the 1960s drug culture and is further spoiled by drug use in today’s ‘rave’ scene.

Many of the early pioneers of psychedelic research continue to promote it for the field of mental health. Dr Humphrey Osmond, the British psychiatrist who coined the term ‘psychedelic’ in the 1950s, strongly supported psychedelic research until his death last year aged 86 years.

Researchers believe these drugs are important tools for further academic study. They also have clinical applications, with the practice of traditional psychedelic psychotherapy having much in common with the practice of cognitive – behavioural therapy.

Conclusion

It is surprising that there remains such considerable ignorance about the potential of these substances from within psychiatry itself. Perhaps a more dispassionate criticism based upon scientific reasoning and not influenced by social or political pressures is called for if we are truly to investigate whether these substances can have a useful role in psychiatry today.