Hallucinogens and psychiatry, in the midst of the past century

Journal/Book: Evol Psychiatr. 2000; 65: 23 Rue Linois, 75724 Paris Cedex 15, France. Editions Scientifiques Medicales Elsevier. 273-292.

Abstract: The texts concerning hallucinogens which were published for the Paris congress in 1950 have been re-examined. These texts were written according to the acquired experience of mescaline and in light of the discovery of new hallucinogenic substances (LSD 25 in particular). Since they were based on the psychiatric literature appearing before and after 1950, the texts are examined in a way that criticizes some specific features of the experiments of the middle of the century. On the one hand, the literature often describes self-experiences, reported retrospectively, which suppose that introspection is valid while under the influence of hallucinogens. Still more often, the experiments were carried out on psychiatric patients. The nature of the phenomena noted (hallucinations versus illusions) was debated at the time. On the other hand, we hope to realize, because of the hallucinogens, an ''experimental schizophrenia'' or at least a ''model psychosis'', an experimental analog of the natural diseases. In fact, the clinical picture that is established approaches the confusional toxic states that accompany oneirism. Autointoxication by a physiological substance similar to a hallucinogen is particularly presupposed as being responsible for mental illness. The work carried out involving hallucinogens will contribute to the knowledge of neurotransmitters. Lastly, it is generally agreed that the iatrogenic production of hallucinatory phenomena could prove to be therapeutic in mental illnesses, either by a pharmacological effect or as a contributing factor to psychotherapies. Numerous patients can therefore be treated with these new drugs, particularly schizophrenics and alcoholics. These advances have had little effect on the clinical knowledge of hallucinations and mental illnesses and have some indirect effect on therapeutic knowledge; however, they have especially contributed to furthering the understanding of neurotransmitters in the central nervous system.

Note: Article Arveiller J, Univ Caen, Psychiat Hop, F-14032 Caen, FRANCE

Keyword(s): experimental psychosis; hallucinogen; history of psychiatry; LSD 25; mescaline

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