New Study Shows LSD May Alleviate Anxiety Symptoms
In a recent study published on Thursday, LSD has been found to reduce anxiety symptoms, marking a significant step toward further testing and the possibility of medical approval for this psychedelic drug, which has faced prohibition in the U.S. for over 50 years. The research, conducted by Mindmed, involved testing various doses of LSD on patients with moderate to severe generalized anxiety disorder, with effects lasting for up to three months. The company intends to carry out additional studies to verify these findings and subsequently seek approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Dating back to the 1950s, there were numerous studies on the therapeutic applications of LSD, although most of those studies do not meet today’s standards. Frederick Barrett, who leads the psychedelic center at Johns Hopkins University, remarked that this recent paper is a significant move toward reviving and applying contemporary research standards to explore these compounds’ actual costs and benefits.
A Resurgence in Psychedelic Research
Psychedelic research is experiencing a resurgence, with extensive discussions and explorations regarding their potential effects on disorders like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The FDA has categorized psilocybin, MDMA, and now LSD as promising “breakthrough” therapies based on initial results, yet these substances are not finding an easy route to market.
Last year, the FDA declined MDMA as a treatment for PTSD, highlighting issues with the study methodology and potential biases. The LSD study, published by the Journal of the American Medical Association, aims to address some of these concerns.
Unlike previous studies where MDMA was tested alongside hours of therapeutic sessions, which made it challenging for FDA reviewers to assess the actual benefits of the drug, this LSD study took a more straightforward approach. Patients were administered a single dose of LSD — under professional supervision but without concurrent therapy — and were monitored over a duration of almost three months. However, Barrett pointed out that the paper lacks details on patient preparation and follow-up support, both critical for understanding the outcomes. “Powerful, subjective experiences may require therapeutic discussions to help individuals interpret them,” he explained.
Positive Results, Yet Questions Persist
In this study, the researchers observed anxiety levels among nearly 200 participants who were randomly given one of four LSD doses or a placebo. The primary focus was to determine the optimal dose of LSD, known for eliciting intense visual experiences and sometimes causing feelings of paranoia. After four weeks, those taking the two highest doses reported significantly lower anxiety levels compared to those on placebo or lower doses. Remarkably, by the 12-week mark, 65% of patients on the most effective dose (100 micrograms) continued to demonstrate benefits, with nearly half considered to be in remission. Common side effects noted included hallucinations, nausea, and headaches.
Interestingly, participants receiving placebos also showed improvement — a common occurrence in both psychedelic and psychiatric research — but their enhancement was less than half compared to those treated with the active drug. This study was not without its own challenges. Many patients accurately identified whether they received the real drug or a placebo, undermining the objective evaluation crucial for confirming a new medicine’s effectiveness. Additionally, a notable number of participants from both groups withdrew early, which limited the study’s final data.
Moreover, the duration of any potential ongoing benefits remains uncertain. Mindmed is currently conducting two extensive late-stage trials to observe patients over a longer timeframe, with aspirations of seeking FDA approval if successful. “It’s possible some individuals may require additional treatments,” said Dr. Maurizio Fava, the study’s leading author at Mass General Brigham Hospital. “The lasting impact is quite significant, but we still need more data on retreatment frequency.”
Interest From Government Officials
Prominent figures within the Trump administration, including Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., have shown interest in psychedelic therapy, suggesting a potential expedited review process for veterans and others experiencing psychological traumas. Generalized anxiety disorder ranks as one of the most prevalent mental health issues in the U.S., impacting nearly 3% of adults, according to the National Institutes of Health. Current treatment options range from psychotherapy to antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications.
The concept of utilizing LSD in medical treatments isn’t new. Back in the 1950s and 1960s, over 1,000 publications documented its application in treating various issues, such as alcohol dependency and depression. However, a federal crackdown in the late 1960s led to a negative association with countercultural movements and figures like Timothy Leary, who advocated for the drug’s use.
In 1970, LSD and other psychedelics were classified as Schedule 1 substances, indicating they possess no medical use and a high potential for abuse, effectively stifling research in the U.S. As few nonprofits began reevaluating these substances in the late 20th century, they often avoided LSD due to its controversial history and instead studied other lesser-known hallucinogens like MDMA and psilocybin. “Mindmed is the first company to actively explore LSD, although the drug has been well-known and widely discussed,” Fava said.
This story has been updated to clarify that the effective LSD dosage reported is 100 micrograms, not 100 milligrams.
