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Lower-dose psycholytic therapy - A neglected approach.

Torsten Passie^1,2, Jeffrey Guss^3,4, Rainer Krähenmann^5,6,7

¹Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.

Frontiers in Psychiatry

|December 19, 2022

Summary

Psycholytic therapy, using serial low-dose lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) sessions, demonstrated therapeutic effects. This approach, pioneered by Hanscarl Leuner, offers a valuable method for substance-assisted psychotherapy.

Keywords:

LSD MDMA hallucinogens lower-dose LSD therapy mystical experience psilocybin psychoanalysis psycholytic therapy

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Area of Science:

Psychiatry and Psychotherapy
Psychopharmacology

Background:

Psychoactive substances like LSD have been explored for therapeutic potential since 1949.
Psycholytic therapy, utilizing serial low-dose LSD/psilocybin sessions within a psychoanalytical framework, emerged in the 1960s.
This therapeutic modality was widely adopted in Europe, contrasting with the psychedelic approach prevalent in North America.

Purpose of the Study:

To provide comprehensive background information on psycholytic therapy.
To outline the essential features and historical development of psycholytic therapy.
To review evidence for the efficacy of psycholytic therapy and advocate for its inclusion in substance-assisted psychotherapy.

Main Methods:

Historical review of psycholytic therapy's development and application.
Analysis of Professor Hanscarl Leuner's contributions and research.
Examination of clinical studies and evidence supporting psycholytic therapy's efficacy.

Main Results:

Psycholytic therapy was established across 30 European centers and by over 100 psychotherapists.
Professor Hanscarl Leuner's work significantly advanced the understanding and practice of LSD-assisted therapy.
Evidence supports the therapeutic relevance and efficacy of psycholytic approaches.

Conclusions:

Psycholytic therapy represents a significant historical and potentially valuable modality in substance-assisted psychotherapy.
The foundational work in psycholytic therapy, particularly by Leuner, warrants continued consideration.
Further research and integration of psycholytic approaches could enhance current psychotherapy practices.