Stanislav Grof's Contributions to FDA Drug Development Research with Psychedelics

Since 1990, FDA has been willing to approve research with psychedelic drugs. Currently Phase II studies have been conducted or are underway for MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), LSD, psilocybin or MDMA for end-of-life anxiety, MDMA for autistic adults with social anxiety, psilocybin for addiction, psilocybin as an adjunct to meditation, and other uses. These psychedelic psychotherapy sessions are being conducted using insights and approaches that Stan Grof has helped develop during his extensive experience with LSD administered in a therapeutic context. Some of the key lessons from Stan that MAPS has incorporated into our therapeutic approaches in our FDA-approved studies include the theoretical model, the non-directive approach, the male/female co-therapist teams, the extensive focus on preparation and integration, and the openness to transpersonal experiences. Furthermore, several of our Principal Investigators have been directly trained by Stan and Christina Grof.