History of lysergic acid diethylamide

Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) is a psychedelic drug known for its psychological effects. This article focuses on the history of LSD, particularly its use in psychiatry.

Etymology

The term "Lysergic Acid Diethylamide" comes from its chemical structure, which includes a diethylamide functional group derived from lysergic acid. The term "LSD" is an abbreviation of the German name for the compound, "Lysergsäurediethylamid".

History

LSD was first synthesized in 1938 by Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann at the Sandoz Laboratories in Basel, Switzerland. It was not until five years later, in 1943, that Hofmann discovered the psychedelic properties of the substance.

Psychiatric Use

In the 1950s and 1960s, LSD was used in psychiatry to enhance psychotherapy known as psychedelic therapy. It was believed that LSD could be used to treat alcoholism, as well as to provide relief from the suffering associated with terminal illness.

The use of LSD in psychiatry was largely discontinued in the 1980s due to regulatory restrictions and public controversy. However, recent years have seen a resurgence of interest in the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, including LSD.

Related Terms

• Psychedelic Therapy
• Psychedelic Drug
• Albert Hofmann
• Sandoz Laboratories

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