LSD and Creativity: Increased Novelty and Symbolic Thinking, Decreased Utility and Convergent Thinking

This study investigated the impact of LSD on creativity in 24 healthy volunteers using a range of tasks and creativity assessments. Results showed LSD influenced creativity through three phenomena: increased novelty and originality (‘pattern break’), decreased utility and convergent thinking (‘disorganization’), and enhanced symbolic thinking and ambiguity (‘meaning’), suggesting LSD might aid in psychedelic-assisted therapy by shifting cognitive focus towards new ideas.