A dose of LSD – that psychedelic drug hippie grandmothers took in the 60s – could help ease anxiety, a new study has found.

LSD, also called acid, is a hallucinatory drug that makes us feel euphoric, giggly and overwhelmed.

But researchers have found that the illegal drug holds real promise in treating one of the most common mental health disorders in the UK.

A US trial explored the effect of MM120, a dissolvable LSD tablet, to treat generalised anxiety disorder (GAD).

People with the condition often worry to an almost paralysing degree about everyday things, even when there’s little or no reason to do so.

In any given week in England, six in 100 people are diagnosed with GAD, with treatment options including talking therapy or medication.

The psychedelic company MindMed gave 198 patients aged 18 to 74 suffering from the condition MM120 instead.

Groups were either given single doses of 25 micrograms, 50 micrograms, 100 micrograms or 200 micrograms of the drug at research sites.

Between 25 to 200 micrograms is the usual dose range for LSD to experience its psychedelic effects, with 25 counting as a ‘minidose’, 100 as the standard and 200 as a high dose.

On ‘dosing day’, as the study, published today in the medical journal JAMA, put it, patients experienced mild hallucinations which lasted 12 hours.

Researchers scored each patient’s mood on the Hamilton Anxiety Scale after a week, two weeks, four weeks, eight weeks and 12 weeks.

The tool ranks the ways people can be anxious out of five, like how fearful they are about certain things or if they’re struggling with insomnia.

Yet for those who had taken 100 micrograms, they experienced ‘acute therapeutic benefits’ from taking LSD throughout the full 12 weeks.

This led to a ‘statistically significant change in GAD that exceeded the changes seen with lower MM120 doses or with placebo’.

The amount is higher than what is used when microdosing LSD, which is typically defined by experts as taking up to 5-10% of a full dose. This is enough that people will experience mental health benefits, but not enough for a trip.

Lead author Maurizio Fava said: ‘This study is a true turning point in the field of psychiatry.

‘For the first time, LSD has been studied with modern scientific rigour, and the results are both clinically meaningful and potentially paradigm-shifting for the treatment of GAD.’

MindMed is now conducting phase three trials using MM120 on patients with GAD, the last early trials needed before seeking approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

After decades of anti-drug campaigns, it now feels like every Silicon Valley CEO and Hollywood celebrity are turning to psychedelic drugs to ease their mental health.

And scientists think they’re onto something, with an increasing number testing how successful psychedelic-assisted therapy is, which combines the illicit substances with counselling.

Dr Ashwin Sood, a psychiatrist treating patients in Washington DC and New York, told Metro that this is because a full dose of a psychedelic can help the brain develop new cellular connections, a process called neuroplasticity.

He said: ‘Say, you’re sitting on the train and you’re thinking about what your plans are for the day, the work you need to do and funny memories.

‘This is the kind of network that is actively involved while you’re just sitting down and kind of daydreaming – LSD binds to the receptors and disrupts this entire network, and so causes the brain to develop new connections pretty quickly.’

If used to treat anxiety, Dr Sood said, a patient undergoes a trip in a medical setting with a trained healthcare professional.

‘They talk about their anxieties and the therapist helps reframe those anxieties more healthily,’ he said. ‘You’re almost resetting networks in the brain with new connections that have long-lasting results.’

Dr Sood said some people may experience a ‘bad trip’, however, seeing frightening visions and ‘ego death’ as they lose their sense of self.

He said: ‘They can also have increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, increased body temperature, transient elevations, and stress.’

Given this, Dr Sood cautioned against people grabbing a few tabs of LSD and kicking back.

‘They need to be done in controlled environments with clinical supervision, sourced from places that are safely regulated,’ he said.

‘If we don’t, that’s how we get back into stigmatising this medication quickly.’

MindMed is one of three American companies carrying out phase three trials into psychedelics, with others testing MDMA and magic mushrooms.

All have received breakthrough therapy designation from the FDA, a stamp of quality approval from the agency.

MDMA, often known as Ecstasy or Molly, has been found to bring relief to those suffering from severe post-traumatic stress disorder as well as alcohol addiction.

While a study in 2021 found that the magic ingredient of, well, magic mushrooms, called psilocybin, can provide relief for depression.

Others have looked to microdosing as a treatment plan, though science backing up the practice is mixed, with some suggesting a significant benefit, whereas others are less convincing.

Dr Sood stressed, however, that many studies conducted so far have small sample sizes, so more research is needed. Though, the lack of research is in part due to the ‘War on Drugs’ of the 1960s, which hampered research for decades.

‘We’re excited about it, but they still need to be approved through phase three clinical trials, which will hopefully then lead to FDA approval,’ Dr Sood added.

‘Hopefully, we will see this.’

An earlier version of this article erroneously referred to ‘microdosing’ – in fact, the study found that the curative effects of taking LSD were more common in what is considered a ‘normal’ recreational dose of around 100mcg.

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We pride ourselves on staying in the know when it comes to the latest fashion trends, the viral garments and bestsellers, if not ahead of the fashion curve. Over the last few weeks we have spied numerous ‘It’ girls in Omnes’ Maisie Dress. 

The Maisie Dress is reportedly one of Omnes’ bestselling items, which is unsurprising considering it keeps selling out, specifically the butter yellow colourway that has been the colour trend of the summer. 

Thankfully the Maisie Dress is back in stock, and in a different colourway, which we think is more versatile and bound to fly off the shelves.

Omnes Maisie Dress

Made from 100% recycled polyester right down to the labels. This sustainable garment has been a bestseller because the slip dress features a V-neckline, open back with bow detail and lace trim. The midi dress is available in butter yellow or black, and in sizes 4 to 18.

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Omnes’ Maisie Dress now comes in a butter yellow hue, which has almost sold out again, as well as a timeless black iteration that is ideal for all seasons and occasions. 

The Maisie Dress offers a new take on the classic satin slip dress as it features lace detailing around the bust, along the shoulders and the hem of the dress. 

This design also features thick shoulder straps, a V-plunge neckline and open back, which is also where you will find the standout detail that is the statement sash back that ties into a bow. 

There’s no denying this midi dress is ultra flattering, and an elevated alternative to the classic slip on midi dresses, which is why we love it. It’s the attention to detail that tells us Omnes knows what it’s doing. 

This dress has been crafted from 100% recycled polyester right down to the labels too, which have been made from recycled plastic bottles. 

This design comes in UK dress sizes 4 to 18, and though the butter yellow hue has limited sizes available, at the time of writing the black dress is still available to shop in all sizes. 

Whether you are heading to a summer party, are a wedding guest, or have a birthday coming up, this dress will see you through them all. Pair with ballet flats and wear for your girlie date, or slip into a pair of wedges or sling back kitten heels for a more glamorous affair. 

What we also love is you can wear this number as a dress to show off its full beauty, or you can layer over a jumper or cardigan and slip on a pair of heeled boots so it looks like a midi satin slip skirt. 

Considering how unique this dress is, its versatility, sustainable fabrics, high quality, and the fact it is a bestselling item all the fashion influencers are wearing, it’s one item your wardrobe not only wants but needs. 

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If you often find yourself scrolling through your phone while sat on the loo, you may want to reconsider your choice of bathroom entertainment.

A new study has revealed that those who take their phone to the toilet are 46% more likely to get haemorrhoids — and have issued guidance to help people reduce their risk.

‘Set a two TikTok limit,’ said Dr Trisha Pasricha,gastroenterologist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston.

‘What you shouldn’t be doing is getting so trapped in this cycle of scrolling and watching TikTok that you lose track of why you came here in the first place… If the magic hasn’t happened within five minutes, you should get up and go. Take a breather and come back.’

Dr Pasricha warned that social media apps are designed to ‘make you lose track of time’, and although our pre-TikTok ancestors busied themselves with newspapers or books, ‘it wasn’t distracting to the same level.’

Explaining how prolonged bathroom breaks can lead to piles, she added: ‘If you’re just hanging out there in the open, this passive pressure will eventually, over time, cause the connective tissue to weaken and cause those veins to engorge.’

Gastroenterologist Dr Sethi previously advised against the common habit on TikTok, claiming it could lead to ‘serious consequences’ in the long-run.

The Harvard and Stanford-trained stomach doctor said that while it may ‘seem harmless to scroll through your social media feed or answer some emails’ while on the enamel throne, it’s actually anything but.

‘First, using your phone while doing a number two can lead to prolonged sitting on the toilet which can cause strain and pressure on your rectum and anus,’ explained Dr Sethi. ‘This can lead to issues such as haemorrhoids, anal fissures and even rectal prolapse.’

Haemorrhoids, also known as piles, can cause itchy lumps, bright red blood or mucus in poo, and the feeling that you still need to go even after you’ve emptied your bowels. Anal fissures, which are small tears in the lining of your anus, tend to be accompanied by fresh blood and sharp pain during or after you poo.

Rectal prolapse, when part of the large intestine drops into the anus, is less common than these conditions but shares many of the same symptoms as piles. Unlike hemorrhoids or anal fissures, however, it’s chronic and progressive, meaning it won’t go away on its own.

If you’re experiencing any problems with your bowel movements, it’s a good idea to see a doctor alongside adopting healthier toilet habits like ditching tech.

Dr Sethi noted that germs are another issue with scrolling on the loo, as the bathroom can be ‘a breeding ground for bacteria’ and ‘studies have found that an average smartphone is dirtier than a public toilet seat.’

Previous research revealed that half of Brits – more than 26.3million adults – are guilty of using their mobile on the lavatory (and that’s just the ones who admit it). Plus, 40% say they’ve dropped a device down the toilet or into the sink.

Hopefully the idea of losing your beloved smartphone to the u-bend is enough to get you to stop taking it with you as you relieve yourself, even if health conditions and bacteria don’t convince you.

For those that still can’t tear themselves away, though, Dr Sethi advised: ‘At least have a disinfectant wipe around to clean the phone after you’re done with the business.’

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Death happens to us all, so it’s only natural to want to know what you experience the moment your heart stops beating.

Will you see a bright light or dead loved ones? Will you be confronted with everything you wish you’d done differently? Is peaceful or scary?

There’s a saying that your life flashes before your eyes, it’s a phenomena dubbed ‘life recall’.

You’ll often hear people who’ve had a brush with death say their whole life replayed in their mind — and it turns out, scientists have proved something like this could very well happen when you die.

Neuroscientists have actually recorded the brain activity of someone as they died, and found that their brain waves at the time of death were similar to those that happen when we dream, recall memories and meditate.

Is it just us, or is that oddly comforting? If we’ve peaked your morbid curiosity, then read on to learn more about what happens when you die.

How does life recall work?

The study, published in the Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience in 2023, found that our brain could remain active and coordinated during and even after the ‘transition to death’, responding to the change with a ‘programmed’ ending.

This finding came after an 87-year-old patient developed epilepsy and an EEG was being used to detect the seizures so they could treat the patient.

While they were recording the brain activity, the patient had a heart attack and died, meaning the activity of a dying brain was recorded for the first time ever.

Dr Ajmal Zemmar, a neurosurgeon at the University of Louisville, US, who led the study, explained to Frontiers they investigated the 30 seconds before and after the heart stopped beating and saw neurological differences.

‘We saw changes in a specific band of neural oscillations, so-called gamma oscillations, but also in others such as delta, theta, alpha, and beta oscillations,’ he said.

Oscillations is a fancy term for brain waves and all the aforementioned types of brain waves, bar delta, are associated with dreaming, memories and information processing – which amount to flashbacks.

Delta brain waves are associated with deep sleep are certain states of consciousness.

“The brain may be playing a last recall of important life events just before we die, similar to the ones reported in near-death experiences,” Dr Zemmar speculated.

‘These findings challenge our understanding of when exactly life ends and generate important subsequent questions, such as those related to the timing of organ donation.’

It’s important to remember though, that this study only had a single patient who had also suffered seizures and swelling but Zemmar is hopeful that this knowledge comforts those who have lost or are losing loved ones.

‘Although our loved ones have their eyes closed and are ready to leave us to rest, their brains may be replaying some of the nicest moments they experienced in their lives,’ he said.

Visioning

But it’s not just at the point of death that we see things, we also experience visioning as part of the dying process.

It’s one of the six deathbed phenomena described by hospice nurse Julie McFadden, 41, who’s based in LA and spends her time administering palliative care.

‘Visioning is wild,’ Julie says. It’s not about hallucinations and psychosis, or seeing things due to mental illness. ‘It happens to many people, it’s always comforting and the person is almost always alert and oriented,’ she explains.

‘People always say “oh it’s the medication or the lack of oxygen” or “they’re just confused”, but… most people who have visioning are none of those things.

‘It usually happens a few weeks before death, they can be up and having a normal conversation with their family and saying they’re seeing their dead father in the corner who is smiling and telling them he’s coming to get them soon and not to worry.’

The best thing to do as a family member witnessing your loved one experiencing visioning is to ‘just go with it’, according to the nurse.

She says that people typically experience visioning about a month away from death.

The death reach

Sometimes visioning goes hand-in-hand with what is called ‘the death reach’.

‘This is when a person is lying in bed and they reach up in the air, almost like they’re seeing someone or reaching for someone to hug them or to shake their hand,’ Julie explains.

This can be for a prolonged period of time too. Again healthcare professionals don’t necessarily know why this is happening but it’s normal.

While nothing is fully understood yet, it’s clear that our brains work in mysterious ways when our time comes to pass on. At least now, you have a little bit of an idea as to what you can expect.

This article was first published on June 15, 2025.

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