LSD-assisted therapy may provide lasting relief from anxiety

People with anxiety disorders appear to obtain lasting benefits from lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)-assisted therapy, with improved wellbeing, reduced neuroticism, and increased extraversion, as shown in a study.

Researchers conducted a long-term follow-up of a double-blind, placebo-controlled, two-period, random-order, crossover design trial wherein participants with anxiety disorders underwent two 24-week treatment periods. The participants were given either oral LSD (200 μg) or placebo per period, with each comprising two treatment sessions and five study visits. Treatment sessions were spaced 6 weeks apart.

Thirty-nine participants were followed up 1 year after the end-of-study visit to evaluate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and long-term effects of psychedelics. Assessment tools used included the Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory–Global (STAI-G), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Persisting Effects Questionnaire and measures of personality traits using the NEO-Five-Factor Inventory.

During the long-term follow-up, a sustained reduction in STAI-G scores was reported. The scores decreased by a mean of −21.6 (95 percent confidence interval [CI], −32.7 to −10.4; p<0.001) from baseline for participants who received LSD in the first treatment period (94 weeks after the last LSD treatment) and by a mean of −16.5 (95 percent CI, −26.2 to −6.8; p<0.05) for those who received LSD in the second treatment period (68 weeks after the last LSD treatment).

Similar effects were observed for comorbid depression, with a mean change in BDI scores of −8.1 (95 percent CI, −13.2 to −3.1; p<0.01) for participants who received LSD in the first treatment period and −8.9 (95 percent CI, −12.9 to −4.9; p<0.01) for those who received LSD in the second treatment period.

A significant decrease in personality trait neuroticism (p<0.0001) and a significant increase in trait extraversion (p<0.01) were also reported. The positive long-term effects of LSD-assisted therapy was attributed by the participants to the psychedelic experience.