Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) in anxiety

Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a well-known classic psychedelic substance:

• psychedelics, including LSD and psilocybin, induce profound acute alterations of mind and mystical-type experiences primarily by interacting with the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor
• the use of LSD in the management of anxiety was investigated in an investigator-initiated 2-centre trial that used a double-blind, placebo-controlled, 2-period, random-order, crossover design with 2 sessions with either oral LSD (200 μg) or placebo per period (1)
  • the primary endpoint was anxiety symptoms 16 weeks after the last treatment session
  • showed that LSD produced long-lasting and notable reductions in anxiety and comorbid depression symptoms up to 16 weeks

Reference:

1. Holze F, Gasser P, Müller F, Dolder PC, Liechti ME. Lysergic Acid Diethylamide-Assisted Therapy in Patients With Anxiety With and Without a Life-Threatening Illness: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Phase II Study. Biol Psychiatry. 2023 Feb 1;93(3):215-223.