Clinical Research on Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) in Psychiatry and Neuroscience
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is gaining renewed interest as a potential treatment for anxiety, depression, and alcohol use disorder, with clinical trials reporting significant symptom reductions and long-lasting effects. LSD modulates serotonin (5-HT2A) receptors, which, in turn, influence dysfu...
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| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-03-01
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| Series: | Pharmaceuticals |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/18/4/499 |
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| Summary: | Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is gaining renewed interest as a potential treatment for anxiety, depression, and alcohol use disorder, with clinical trials reporting significant symptom reductions and long-lasting effects. LSD modulates serotonin (5-HT2A) receptors, which, in turn, influence dysfunctional brain networks involved in emotional processing and cognition. It has also shown promise in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, where mystical-type experiences are linked to improved psychological well-being. This review examines LSD’s pharmacokinetics, neurobiological mechanisms, and safety considerations, including cardiovascular risks, emotional vulnerability, and the potential for hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder (HPPD). Challenges such as small sample sizes, variable dosing protocols, and regulatory restrictions limit large-scale trials. Future research should focus on standardization, pharmacogenetic influences, and personalized treatment strategies to ensure its safe and effective integration into clinical practice. |
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| ISSN: | 1424-8247 |