How LSD Interacts with our Mind and Body
Article Title: “Pharmacological and Non-Pharmacological Predictors of the LSD Experience in Healthy Participants”
Authors: Patrick Vizeli, Erich Studerus, Friederike Holze, Yasmin Schmid, Patrick C. Dolder, Laura Ley, Isabelle Straumann, Anna M. Becker, Felix Müller, Denis Arikci, Matthias E. Liechti
Publication Date: 2024
Background
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a well-known psychedelic with potent effects on consciousness, perception, and mood. Despite its historical recreational use, research is increasingly exploring LSD’s therapeutic potential, especially in mental health settings. This study from the University of Basel investigates how different factors, including dose, genetics, personality, and pre-drug mood, influence the intensity and quality of the LSD experience in healthy participants.
Study Overview
The research pooled data from nine double-blind, placebo-controlled studies involving 213 healthy participants, aged 25 to 64. Participants were given various doses of LSD (25–200 µg), and their psychological and physiological responses were measured. The study aimed to determine which factors, both pharmacological (e.g., LSD dosage) and non-pharmacological (e.g., personality traits, mood), predict the effects of LSD.
Key Findings
LSD Dose: As expected, the amount of LSD consumed was the most influential factor in determining the intensity of both physical and psychological responses. Higher doses correlated with more pronounced effects.
Pre-Drug Mood: Participants who felt well before the session experienced more positive effects, while those who felt anxious were more likely to have challenging experiences.
Personality Traits: Individuals who scored high on “Openness to Experience” had more mystical and insightful experiences. Meanwhile, those with higher “Extraversion” ratings reported stronger visual and auditory effects.
Genetics: Differences in the gene responsible for metabolising LSD (CYP2D6) impacted the intensity of the drug’s effects, particularly anxiety and body temperature changes.
Previous Experience: People with prior experience of hallucinogens reported fewer intense altered states, suggesting a tolerance effect or better preparedness for the experience.
Discussion
This study highlights the importance of both pharmacological and non-pharmacological factors in shaping the LSD experience. While dosage plays the most significant role, personal mood, mental state, and personality traits can deeply affect the nature of the psychedelic journey. Pre-existing feelings of well-being and openness to new experiences contributed to more positive and mystical effects, while anxiety before ingestion was linked to challenging experiences. Interestingly, sex and body weight had minimal impact on the drug’s effects.
Implications
The study’s findings have important implications for psychedelic-assisted therapies, where patient preparation, including mental state and mood, can influence therapeutic outcomes. Understanding how mood and personality traits shape the LSD experience can help guide therapists in preparing patients, selecting appropriate doses, and mitigating risks of challenging experiences.
Potential Application
For psychedelic retreats and therapy settings, this research underscores the value of creating a safe and supportive environment for participants. By enhancing well-being and reducing anxiety before taking LSD, facilitators can potentially improve the therapeutic outcomes. Personalisation of treatment based on a participant’s personality traits, previous drug experience, and pre-drug mood could also be essential in guiding the journey toward positive, transformative experiences.
Conclusions
This study demonstrates that while the dosage of LSD plays a critical role in determining the drug’s effects, non-pharmacological factors like personality and pre-drug mood are equally influential. As interest in psychedelics grows, particularly for therapeutic use, understanding these predictors is crucial in ensuring safe and beneficial experiences for users.
Reference:
Vizeli, P., Studerus, E., Holze, F., Schmid, Y., Dolder, P. C., Ley, L., Straumann, I., Becker, A. M., Müller, F., Arikci, D., & Liechti, M. E. (2024). Pharmacological and non-pharmacological predictors of the LSD experience in healthy participants. Translational Psychiatry, 14(357). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-024-03074-9
