LSD Use Disorder

Lysergic Acid Diethylamide:

Lysergic acid diethylamide, first synthesised by Albert Hoffman in 1938 also popularly known as ‘ acid’, is a powerful hallucinogen.

Basically, It  related to the psychedelic compounds found in the ‘morning glory’ seeds, the lysergic acid amides. Additionally, as little as 100 μg of LSD is sufficient to produce behavioral effects in man. In detail, LSD presumably produces its effects by an action on the 5-HT levels in brain.

Although tolerance as well as psychological dependence can occur with LSD use, no physical dependence or withdrawal syndrome is reported. Besides this, A common pattern of LSD use is a trip (occasionally use followed by a long period of abstinence).

Perceptual changes

The characteristic features of acute LSD intoxication are perceptual changes occurring in a clear consciousness. Moreover, these perceptual changes include depersonalisation, derealisation, intensification of perceptions, synaesthesiac (for example, colours are heard, and sounds are felt), illusions, and hallucinations.

Autonomic hyperactivity

In addition, features suggestive of autonomic hyperactivity, such as pupillary dilatation, tachycardia, sweating, tremors, incoordination, palpitations, raised temperature, piloerection also giddiness, can also be present. These changes are usually associated with marked anxiety and/or depression, though euphoria is more common in small doses. All in all, Persecutory and referential ideation may also occur.

Acute panic reaction

In brief, sometimes acute LSD intoxication presents with an acute panic reaction, known as a bad trip, in which the individual experiences a loss of control over himself. The recovery usually occurs within 8-12 hours of the last dose. Rarely, the intoxication is severe enough to produce an acute psychotic episode especially resembling a schizophreniform psychosis.

No withdrawal syndrome has described with LSD use. However, sometimes, there is a spontaneous recurrence of the LSD use experience in a drug free state.

In detail, described as a flashback, it usually occurs weeks to months after the last experience. Furthermore, such episodes are often induce by stress, fatigue, alcohol intake, severe physical illness or marijuana intoxication.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is LSD Use Disorder?

In LSD use disorder, Lysergic acid diethylamide, first synthesised by Albert Hoffman in 1938 also popularly known as ‘acid’, is a powerful hallucinogen.

What is Acute Intoxication of LSD Use Disorder?

• Depersonalisation
• Derealisation
• Intensification of perceptions
• Synaesthesiac
• Illusions
• Hallucinations
• Pupillary dilatation
• Tachycardia
• Sweating
• Tremors
• Incoordination
• Palpitations
• Raised temperature

What are the complications of LSD Use Disorder?

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Psychosis
• Visual hallucinosis
• Foetal abnormalities

Name of the treatment of LSD Use Disorder?

• Antianxiety
• Antidepressant
• Antipsychotic medication
• Supportive psychotherapy