Written by: Valeria A. Cuellar, MD
The external world became changed as in a dream. Objects appeared to gain in relief; they assumed unusual dimensions; and colors became more glowing. Even self-perception and the sense of time were changed. When the eyes were closed, colored pictures flashed past in a quickly changing kaleidoscope.
– Albert Hofmann
Albert Hofmann, a legendary Swiss chemist, was the first to synthesize the compound LSD at Sandoz Laboratories in 1938. Not realizing what he had discovered, he would shape future decades in treating depression, becoming a true celebrity.
It was 1943, when laboratory rules and regulations where significantly different than today, that he accidentally absorbed around 20 micrograms of LSD-25 in his skin while resynthesizing it. He later reported in his journal that he had a remarkable experience, characterized by an “extremely stimulated imagination.”
Days later, he ingested 250 micrograms of LSD-25 with his assistant’s knowledge and reported thoroughly his experience in his journal. During his bicycle ride home, the effects of the drug were most intense. Decades later he described the experience as a mostly physical and extremely unpleasant one. He became an advocate of LSD and the potential tool it could become in psychiatry studies. He also believed that LSD could awaken the dormant awareness that human society has for nature and the environment. He valued the effects of LSD and suggested it should be ingested with care and spiritual intent.
Hofmann spent years researching sacred plants. He even participated in psychedelic rituals with Maria Sabina, a famous Mazatec healer in southern Mexico. He was able to synthesize the active compounds of Psilocybe Mexicana mushroom, which we now know as psilocybin and psilocin. He discovered these compounds had a similar chemical structure as LSD.
The use of psychotropic substances did not start with Dr. Hoffman. North African, Mayan, and Aztec cultures left substantial evidence for us to determine that many of the sacred rituals performed with great respect were done with the use of naturally occurring psychotropics. What Hoffman did opened a door for the scientific method to be applied and resolve some of the questions in researcher’s minds.
The use of psychoactive substances was common in pre-Columbian Mesoamerican societies. Today, local shamans and healers still use them in ritual ceremonies in Mesoamerica. The aim was described in several instances as “opening the gates of the mind.” Are the benefits described by these ancient cultures and doctors like Dr. Hofmann applicable to modern psychiatry therapy? Would patients who continuously fail pharmacological trials of antidepressants benefit from a therapy that includes a psychotropic experience?
Researchers and clinicians at universities in the United States and Europe have reported some health benefits in patients with cancer and people with mental health issues.
Recently, we have started recruiting patients who have treatment resistant depression at the Center of Excellence on Mood Disorders. Jair C. Soares, MD, PhD, is the principal investigator of the trial “The Safety and Efficacy of Psilocybin in Participants with Treatment Resistant Depression” at the Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. This research trial is a psilocybin based psychotherapy in a safe and therapeutic environment. An initiative started by COMPASS Pathways years ago in London has reached multiple research centers across the world. As collaborators of this multinational project, we aim to continue performing research initiatives to contribute on the much needed therapies in the field.