New findings from a citizen science study suggest that microdosing psychedelics could be a valuable tool in the battle against poor mental health.
Findings from a new, international study suggest that regular microdoses of psychedelics – such as LSD or psilocybin – could be a beneficial for those struggling with anxiety and depression.
Published in the journal Nature: Scientific Reports and led by University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus (UBCO) researchers, the citizen science study reported fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression and greater feelings of wellbeing in individuals who had reported microdosing compared to those who did not.
UBCO doctoral student and lead author Joseph Rootman, commented: “In total, we followed more than 8,500 people from 75 countries using an anonymous self-reporting system — about half were following a microdosing regimen and half were not.
“In comparing microdosers and non-microdosers, there was a clear association between microdosing and fewer symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress — which is important given the high prevalence of these conditions and the substantial suffering they cause.”
Renowned mycologist Paul Stamets collaborated on the study, which is the first to systematically examine the practice of “stacking” – combining microdoses of psychedelics with other substances like niacin, lions mane mushrooms and cacao. Some believe these work in conjunction to maximise benefit. The authors note, however, that: “caution is warranted when interpreting claims related to the synergistic effects of stacked substances and psilocybin in humans” as empirical studies largely involve animal models.
Dr Zach Walsh, psychology professor in UBCO’s Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, added: “These findings highlight adults who are microdosing to treat their mental health conditions and enhance their wellbeing — rather than simply to get high.
“We have an epidemic of mental health problems, with existing treatments that don’t work for everyone. We need to follow the lead of patients who are taking these initiatives to improve their wellbeing and reduce suffering.”
The researchers say that the most commonly used substance in the sample was psilocybin at 85 per cent, and that both groups in the sample demonstrated rates of cannabis use and macrodoses of psychedelics that exceeded what might be expected in a general community sample in Canada, the USA and Europe.
According to the study, participant motivations for microdosing included reducing anxiety and depression, as well as increasing spirituality, and that the use of cannabis amongst the sample indicates therapeutic use. They highlight: “Future research that examines microdosing should more carefully examine the co-use of cannabis and microdosing and explicitly query therapeutic versus non therapeutic motivations for cannabis use. Similar considerations might also apply to the high levels of large-dose psychedelic use.”
Clinical studies on microdosing can be difficult to carry out – as both LSD and psilocybin are classed as Schedule 1 drugs in the US and the UK, asking participants to take controlled substances home is generally not feasible.
Regarding the citizen science approach, study co-author Kalin Harvey, chief technology officer of Quantified Citizen, a mobile health research platform, commented: “The use of citizen science allows us to examine the effects of behaviours that are difficult to study in the lab due to regulatory challenges and stigma associated with the now discredited ‘war on drugs.’”
Walsh added: “These cross-sectional findings are promising and highlight the need for further investigation to better determine the impacts of factors like dosage and stacking.
“While the data is growing to support the use of psychedelics like psilocybin in large doses to treat depression and addiction — our data also helps to expand our understanding of how psychedelics may also help in smaller doses.”
The study authors state: “Our results indicate health and wellness motives and perceived mental health benefits among microdosers, and highlight the need for further research into the mental health consequences of microdosing including studies with rigorous longitudinal designs.” And that “Carefully controlled clinical trials are required to more confidently elucidate the potential risks and benefits of psychedelic microdosing…”.
They also add that: “…although the present study identified statistically significant differences in psychiatric symptom severity based on microdose status, these effects were in the range of effects typically characterised as small. Any conclusions regarding the clinical import of these findings should consider these small effects and the limitations inherent in self-reported effects and cross-sectional design.”
