The Therapeutic Value of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide in Mental Illness

Authors:
  • RSR. A. Sandison
    R. A. Sandison
  • ASA. M. Spencer
    A. M. Spencer
  • JWJ. D. A. Whitelaw
    J. D. A. Whitelaw
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Abstract
D-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD 25) was first prepared in 1938 by Stoll and Hofmann. It is the synthetic amide of d-lysergic acid with a secondary amine, diethylamine and belongs to the ergonovine group of ergot alkaloids all of which have lysergic acid as a base. After its ingestion in minute doses, it induces psychic states in which the subject becomes aware of repressed memories and other unconscious material in a setting of clear consciousness. This preliminary paper describes the results obtained from the use of the drug in 36 psychoneurotic patients over a period of one year. We consider that the drug will find a significant place in the treatment of the psychoneuroses and allied mental illnesses.