LSD-related experiments were all the rage back in the 1960s, but it seems like the craze died down after society departed from psychedelic era. That being said, after this recent study out of the University of Kaiserslautern, scientists might want to dive back into the world of lysergic acid diethylamide. According to the team behind the research, this was the first study on LSD and language in over 50 years and it produces some intriguing results.
Ten participants were given either LSD (the average dose of 40 to 80 micrograms) or a placebo and asked to identify various objects after being shown an image. Researchers found that the drug did not have an impact on reaction time, but it did in fact lead to a larger number of mistakes. For example, participants would be shown a picture of a car, but respond with “bus” or “train”. The authors felt that this phenomenon could be explained by the ability of the drug to “increase the spread of semantic activation“. Essentially, LSD and other psychedelics can help us form connections between concepts and words that wouldn’t normally be matched without use of a mind-altering substance.
“The effects of LSD on language can result in a cascade of associations that allow quicker access to far away concepts stored in the mind.”
Like any study, the implications of this research still need to be explored. With that in mind, various groups feel that these new findings can lead to LSD treatments for conditions that cause certain brain regions to become over, or under active. Experts have also discussed a wide range of potential uses for people suffering from mental illness or simply looking for a boost in creativity or productivity.
H/T: Daily Mail
