LSD-induced effects in elephants: Comparisons with musth behavior

Abstract

Musth is a condition observed in male Asiatic elephants and is characterized by aggression and temporal gland secretions. A classic and controversial 1962 study attempted to induce a musth syndrome in an elephant via treatment with LSD. Two elephants in the present study survived dosages of LSD (.003-.10 mg/kg) and exhibited changes in the frequency and/or duration of several behaviors as scored according to a quantitative observational system. LSD increased aggression and inappropriate behaviors such as ataxia. Results are discussed in terms of musth and drug-induced perceptual-motor dysfunction. © 1984, The Psychonomic Society, Inc.. All rights reserved.