Psychedelic drug popular in 1960s could ease anxiety as doctors share warnings

OG Article By Ashley J. DiMella

September 09 2025

LSD Shows Promise for Anxiety Relief

Study Overview

A new study tests lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) for anxiety relief.

Led by Dr Daniel Karlin. at MindMed, it’s the first trial of MM120, an LSD formulation, for generalized anxiety disorder.

Published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Method

198 adults aged 18-74 received a single oral dose of LSD (25, 50, 100, or 200 micrograms) or a placebo.

Dosing occurred in private rooms with two trained monitors for 12 hours.

No psychotherapy was provided.

Anxiety scores were tracked at weeks 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12.

Week 4 was the primary evaluation point.

Results

At 4 weeks, higher doses (100 and 200 micrograms) significantly reduced anxiety.

At 12 weeks:

• 65% of 100-microgram patients showed benefits.

• Nearly 50% achieved anxiety remission. LSD also improved depression scores at higher

  doses.

• Effects were immediate and dose-dependent.

• Lower doses (25 and 50 micrograms) showed no significant benefits.

Side Effects

Common side effects included hallucinations, nausea, and headaches.

Higher doses increased side effect intensity.

Some participants experienced paranoia, mood swings, or increased heart rate.

Challenges

"Functional unbinding" occurred—participants guessed whether they received LSD or placebo, potentially skewing results.

Next Steps

MindMed plans two large-scale trials to monitor long-term effects.

If successful, they’ll seek FDA approval.

Risks and Legal Status

LSD is a Schedule I drug, indicating high abuse potential and no accepted medical use.

It’s illegal to prescribe or use outside approved research.

The FDA labels LSD, psilocybin, and MDMA as potential breakthrough therapies.

Dr. Marc Siegel emphasizes the need for careful oversight to monitor side effects like long-term psychosis.

Regulatory Context

Hadas Alterman, a psychedelic medicine attorney, notes LSD’s regulatory challenges stem from the 1962 Kefauver–Harris Amendments, requiring rigorous clinical trials.

Excess recreational use in the 1960s halted early research.

Future Outlook

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. and VA Secretary Doug Collins support exploring psychedelic therapy.

Kennedy aims to advance clinical use within 12 months, per AP.

Alterman says this support encourages the FDA to prioritize psychedelics.