LSD is currently being studied for its use in anxiety therapy, both in combination with psychological support and as a stand-alone method. (Image: Tatyana Maksimova/Getty Images)
According to clinical trials, a single use of the psychedelic substance LSD can reduce the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder for up to several months.
The study, published September 4 in JAMA, involved observations of 194 patients in the United States diagnosed with moderate to severe anxiety. The study compared the effects of different doses of LSD and a placebo on the participants’ condition. It turned out that a significant proportion of patients experienced a reduction in symptoms for at least three months after taking the drug once.
However, no significant improvements were observed in the groups receiving low doses (25 or 50 mcg). The therapeutic effect was observed when the dosage was increased to 100 or 200 mcg, with optimal results achieved in the 100 mcg group.
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After 12 weeks of the experiment, remission on the standard anxiety scale was recorded in 47% of the participants who received 100 mcg. In this group, 65% had their scores reduced by at least half. In the placebo group, similar results were 20% and 30%, respectively.
“This study could be an important step forward in the field of psychedelic research,” said Dr. Claudio Soares, a professor of psychiatry at Queen's University. It is the first study to compare the effectiveness of different doses of LSD with a placebo. The absence of accompanying psychotherapy allows for a more accurate determination of the drug's independent anti-anxiety effect, he said.
“In addition, rapid improvement dynamics and an impact on depressive symptoms were recorded, which opens up prospects for further research,” Soares added.
Existing anti-anxiety medications do not help all patients: it is estimated that around 50% do not respond to SSRIs or benzodiazepines. This highlights the need to develop new, more effective and safer treatment options.
LSD, known for its psychedelic effects, is thought to stimulate abnormal neural connections, which may promote neuroplasticity. This process could theoretically help overcome abnormal thought patterns associated with anxiety, although the exact mechanism requires further study.
Previous trials combining LSD and therapy had shown consistent positive effects, but it was difficult to separate the effects of the two methods. The new experiment excluded psychotherapy support for the sake of data purity (only 18% of participants continued with external sessions).
At the start of the study, the average anxiety score of the participants was 30 on a scale of 0 to 56 (the threshold for severe anxiety was 24). In the 100 mcg group, the average reduction reached 21 points, and improvements were observed within 24 hours and were maintained for 12 weeks.
Most side effects (perception changes, nausea, euphoria) were short-lived. Their frequency increased with increasing dose: hallucinations were noted in 90% of the 100 mcg group and in all at 200 mcg. Two cases of temporary intoxication did not affect the outcome of the study.
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Despite the prevalence of mild to moderate adverse reactions, some participants discontinued the experiment, indicating individual variability in tolerability.
Soares highlighted the limitations of the study: the short follow-up period (3 months) and partial retention of therapy in some subjects. Nevertheless, the work provides valuable information for regulating the use of psychedelics as stand-alone treatments.
Further studies are needed to confirm the long-term effect of a single dose, the expert concluded.
Disclaimer
The material is for informational purposes only and does not replace specialist consultation.
TAGS anxiety
Nicoletta Lanese. Social Media. Health Section Editor.
Nicoletta Lanese is Live Science's medical editor-in-chief and previously worked as a news writer and editor. She holds a certificate in science communication from the University of California, and degrees in neuroscience and dance from the University of Florida. Her articles have appeared in The Scientist, Science News, Stanford Medicine Magazine, and elsewhere. In New York, she continues to work on contemporary choreography.
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