Psychology International

Effects of LSD and Psilocybin on Heart Rate in Patients Receiving Psychedelic Treatment for Depressive and Anxiety Disorders: A Retrospective Observational Study

In this retrospective study of 30 patients receiving LSD or psilocybin for treatment‑resistant depression or anxiety, LSD produced a delayed, sustained increase in heart rate peaking at 3–4 hours while psilocybin showed an earlier decline, with a significant time × substance interaction that persisted after adjusting for age and anxiety and no serious cardiovascular events observed. These preliminary findings suggest distinct temporal cardiovascular profiles for LSD versus psilocybin but should be interpreted cautiously given the retrospective design, small sample and dose imbalance.

Published

December 19, 2025

Journal

Psychology International

Authors

Cheng, M., Aboulafia-Brakha, T., Buchard, A., Boyanova Anastasova, R., Girani, L., Breitenmoser, A., Alaux, S., Mabilais, C., Amberger, C., Seragnoli, F., Furtado, L., Thorens, G., Zullino, D., Penzenstadler, L.