LSD Reactions: A Family-Research Approach

Abstract. This pilot study evaluated data accumulated in the medical charts of patients at the NPI-UCLA who had been hospitalized because of psychiatric disorders connected with LSD use, between March 1965 and March 1967. We explored the characteristics of the patients and families by reviewing (1) demographic data, (2) patient drug history, (3) information about family interaction, and (4) the variables of childhood development. We developed a schedule based upon a dynamic interaction model of families. We found that this group tends to come from a family of strife, faulty communication, and frequent exploitive child-rearing practices, factors which are not remarkable or unique for this age group. Based on our study we concluded that it would not be fruitful to look further for a family constellation that, in effect, breeds LSD and/or drug users. From a data point of view, such predictions are unreliable.