What is phencyclidine (PCP) originally developed for?

Phencyclidine (PCP) was originally developed as an intravenous anesthetic, primarily for use in surgical settings. Its ability to induce a dissociative state, where patients might feel detached from their body and surroundings, made it attractive for anesthesia. However, it was later discovered that PCP also caused various side effects, including hallucinations and agitation, which led to its discontinuation as a surgical anesthetic.

The development of PCP as an anesthetic was influenced by the need for effective pain and anxiety management during surgical procedures. While it does have properties that suggest it could alleviate pain and influence mood, its primary application in medicine was as an anesthetic agent. This background distinguishes the correct answer from others that do not relate to its original therapeutic intent.