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Does LSD reduce anxiety?
Can LSD treat generalized anxiety disorder?
Could LSD be a breakthrough treatment for generalized anxiety disorder?
Mar 7, 2024 · 77 comments. One dose of LSD in a clinical trial significantly improved anxiety and lasted for 12 weeks, convincing the FDA to give the drug a breakthrough therapy designation.
- 3 min
Mar 11, 2024 · A.J. Herrington. New research shows that a form of LSD may be an effective treatment for generalized anxiety disorder, with the FDA designating the drug as a breakthrough therapy.
Apr 1, 2024 · The decision follows a pivotal study that demonstrated the remarkable efficacy of the LSD formula in alleviating symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder. Participants in the study reported significant reductions in anxiety levels after a single dose, with effects persisting for weeks or even months following the intervention.
- Overview
- Do psychedelics work for mental health?
- Early results must be confirmed by real-world evidence
- Potential implications for future anxiety treatment
•MindMed, a biotech company specializing in psychedelic-inspired medicines, has revealed promising results from its MM-120 drug candidate in the treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).
•The results from a recent clinical trial showed that the MM-120 — a hallucinogen better known as LSD — could become a potential new treatment for GAD, a condition that affects millions of people worldwide.
•The trial highlight that the drug candidate, particularly at the 100 µg dose, demonstrated effectiveness, significantly reducing anxiety symptoms.
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by persistent and excessive worry or nervousness about everyday life, frequently causing disruptions in daily tasks and personal connections.
Potential treatments include psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle adjustments.
GAD, categorized as an anxiety disorder, is prevalent, affecting 3.1% of the United States population in a given year, equivalent to 6.8 million adults. It is more frequently diagnosed in women.
Heather Tarbet, Ph.D., vice president of research & development at Amani Ag, told MNT that “this research presents several compelling implications, especially in mitigating the challenges associated with psychedelic therapy.”
“The study demonstrates the tolerability of MM-120, which shortens psychedelic effects while preserving the therapeutic benefits. This approach could alleviate safety and logistical concerns, thereby making psychedelic therapies more accessible and widely accepted among diverse patient groups.”
— Dr. Heather Tarbet
Dr. Tarbet noted that “the study’s insights could inspire progress in the broader field of psychedelic research, potentially enhancing treatments for various complex mental health conditions.”
The preliminary findings from early-phase studies should be corroborated and validated through real-world evidence. This process ensures the reliability and applicability of the trial results.
Dr. Walker Porterfield of Clarity Hyperbarics urged caution about making definitive conclusions, telling MNT that “although on the surface this trial seems to be quite beneficial to patients[experiencing] Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), I see some potential issues.”
Dr. Porterfield highlighted the sample size and trial duration, saying, “the trial was a very small group for a very short duration (198 participants and only four weeks long).”
In addition, Dr. Porterfield noted there was also improvement for patients who were part of the placebo group (31% compared to 78% in the active group).”
Considering this, it’s reasonable to infer that some of the favorable outcomes could be attributed to a placebo-like response. Further studies will need to be completed to assess the actual effectiveness of the medication.
Dr. Karlin told MNT that “MindMed has evaluated the effects of MM-120 in study participants through 12 weeks post-dosing and are currently awaiting those data.”
“Patients and individuals impacted by GAD largely have been left behind in recent decades; the last approval of a new GAD treatment came in 2004. The most widely prescribed treatments for the disorder often fail to stimulate significant or long-lasting improvement, while exposing patients to side effects that can range from unpleasant to unbearable.”
— Dr. Daniel Karlin
Dr. Karlin explained that “the strong, rapid, and durable clinical activity observed following a single dose of MM-120 is extremely promising for patients who are underserved by current treatment options.”
“The data from this study represents a major step forward in our goal to bring a paradigm-shifting treatment to the millions of people impacted by this debilitating condition,” he said.
3 days ago · Previous studies have examined certain illicit drugs, usually hallucinogens or psychedelics, as treatments for depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and addiction. LSD, ecstasy ...
Mar 30, 2022 · A new study shows that repeated doses of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) over time are effective in reducing symptoms of stress-related anxiety and depression. Current...
Oct 7, 2022 · A Phase II clinical trial investigating the efficacy of the psychedelic compound lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) in combination with psychotherapy for the treatment of anxiety has reported positive results in the journal Biological Psychiatry.
