LYSERGIC ACID DIETHYLAMIDE (LSD-25) AND SCHIZOPHRENIC REACTIONS

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Abstract
A questionnaire designed to measure the subjective effects of LSD-25 was given to 10 paranoid and 10 undifferentiated schizophrenic male patients. Their responses, as well as their observed behavior, were compared with those of 50 nonpsychotic male actors serving as experimental subjects, 30 of whom took 100 [mu]g of LSD-25 orally and 20 of whom took a placebo. The undifferentiated schizophrenics had much lower questionnaire scores than the paranoids, and their responses did not resemble those of the drug subjects. The paranoid schizophrenics'' responses resembled those of LSD-25 subjects in regard to feelings of unreality, loss of controls, changes in the meanings of experiences, and suspiciousness; they did not, however, exhibit the body image changes and elation-related effects found in many of the drug subjects. Qualitatively, the comments of the paranoids and the drug subjects indicated that their reactions were of a comparable nature. About one-fourth of the drug subjects had a pattern of reactions very similar to those reported by the paranoid patients. The predrug personalities of these subjects were poorly integrated and had many features that suggest a potential for paranoia and a thought disorder. It is concluded that schizophrenia and the LSD-induced state are both altered states of consciousness and syndrome-complexes with a particular range of symptoms. They overlap in certain areas of functioning and for certain people, and they also differ. The LSD-25 reactions of certain subjects were clinically comparable to certain forms of schizophrenic illness, and specific personality traits were a major factor in determining which drug subjects respond in this way.

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