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🥸intro to psychology review

LSD

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

LSD, or lysergic acid diethylamide, is a potent psychedelic drug that alters perception, emotions, and sensations. It is classified as a hallucinogen and is known for its ability to produce profound changes in consciousness and altered states of being.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. LSD is a semi-synthetic compound derived from ergot, a fungus that grows on rye and other grains.
  2. The effects of LSD can include visual hallucinations, synesthesia (blending of the senses), distorted perceptions of time and space, and intense emotional experiences.
  3. LSD is considered a Schedule I controlled substance in the United States, meaning it has a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use.
  4. The use of LSD can lead to adverse psychological effects, such as anxiety, panic, and psychosis, particularly in individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions.
  5. LSD is known to have a long-lasting impact on the brain, with some studies suggesting it can lead to long-term changes in personality and perception.

Review Questions

  • Explain how the effects of LSD are related to its classification as a psychedelic and hallucinogenic drug.
    • LSD is classified as a psychedelic and hallucinogenic drug due to its ability to produce profound changes in perception, mood, and consciousness. The drug's effects on the brain, such as altering the way sensory information is processed and interpreted, can lead to visual hallucinations, synesthesia, and distorted perceptions of time and space. These altered states of consciousness are characteristic of psychedelic and hallucinogenic substances, which can have a significant impact on an individual's experience of reality.
  • Describe the potential risks and dangers associated with the use of LSD, particularly in the context of substance use and abuse.
    • The use of LSD carries significant risks, both in the short-term and long-term. In the short-term, LSD can lead to adverse psychological effects, such as anxiety, panic, and even psychosis, especially in individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions. The drug's ability to produce powerful hallucinations and distort an individual's perception of reality can also increase the risk of dangerous or risky behaviors. In the long-term, research suggests that LSD can have lasting impacts on the brain, potentially leading to changes in personality and perception. Additionally, the use of LSD is considered a form of substance abuse, as it is a Schedule I controlled substance with a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use.
  • Analyze the potential therapeutic applications of LSD, as well as the ethical and legal considerations surrounding its use in a medical or research context.
    • While LSD is primarily known for its recreational use and associated risks, there has been growing interest in its potential therapeutic applications. Some studies have suggested that LSD and other psychedelics may be effective in the treatment of certain mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and addiction. The altered states of consciousness induced by LSD have been theorized to facilitate introspection, emotional processing, and the dissolution of rigid thought patterns, which could potentially be beneficial in a therapeutic setting. However, the use of LSD in a medical or research context raises significant ethical and legal considerations. As a Schedule I controlled substance, the research and clinical use of LSD is highly restricted, and there are concerns about the potential for abuse and the potential risks to participants. Any therapeutic applications of LSD would require careful oversight, rigorous clinical trials, and a thorough understanding of the drug's effects and potential long-term impacts.