Psycholytic Therapy Using LSD: a Realist Review

Psycholytic therapy, utilizing psychoactive compounds such as d-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) to enhance psychoanalytically oriented therapy, was once the most common form of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Despite its historical prominence, little attention has been given to the reasons behind its decline, and there is a lack of standardized guidance for new clinical trials. This review addresses the diversity of psycholytic methods and their association with effectiveness and safety.

A realist review was conducted in which studies were identified via a comprehensive bibliography of publications on psycholytic therapy with entheogens from 1948 to 1995. Intervention variables were examined in relation to rates of adverse events and diagnosis-adjusted improvement, allowing for an analysis of risk factors and practices associated with positive outcomes.

Analysis of studies published from 1954 to 1965 revealed several features conducive to successful therapy: using a flexible, intuitive therapeutic approach; promptly correcting transference issues; maintaining therapist presence throughout; providing more than ten treatment sessions and extensive preparatory work; incorporating creative activities during integration; using maximal tolerated doses; and avoiding abrupt pharmacological termination.

Psycholytic therapy has shown potential to significantly improve severe mental health conditions, especially when trust in the therapist is fostered. Developing a strong therapeutic relationship helps address trauma-based responses resistant to psychotherapy alone, while rapid resolution of internal conflicts may ease the subsequent integration process.