Psychedelic Micro-dosing for Mental Health
Article Title: “Adults Who Microdose Psychedelics Report Health-Related Motivations and Lower Levels of Anxiety and Depression Compared to Non-Microdosers”
Authors: Joseph M. Rootman, Pamela Kryskow, Kalin Harvey, Paul Stamets, Eesmyal Santos-Brault, Kim P. C. Kuypers, Vince Polito, Francoise Bourzat, Zach Walsh
Publication Date: 2021
Background
Microdosing psychedelics, which involves taking sub-perceptual doses of substances like psilocybin or LSD, has gained popularity for its potential benefits in mental health and cognitive enhancement. Historically, psychedelics have roots in Indigenous medicine, but microdosing represents a modern adaptation focusing on daily wellness rather than transformative experiences. Despite widespread anecdotal reports, scientific studies investigating microdosing’s effects and safety are limited. This study provides critical insights into microdosing practices, motivations, and mental health outcomes using data from a large international sample.
Study Overview
Researchers analysed responses from 8,703 participants worldwide, of which 46.5% were microdosers. The study compared these individuals to non-microdosers on demographics, motivations, mental health, and substance use. Data was collected using a mobile app designed to ensure anonymity, focusing on motivations, substance use patterns, and psychological well-being. Microdosers primarily used psilocybin and, less commonly, LSD. Some combined psychedelics with substances like Lion’s Mane mushrooms or niacin in a practice called “stacking,” aimed at enhancing the effects.
Key Findings
Mental Health Benefits:
Microdosers reported significantly lower levels of depression, anxiety, and stress compared to non-microdosers, especially among those with pre-existing mental health concerns. Those with mental health issues were particularly motivated to microdose by the potential to reduce symptoms like anxiety and depression.
Motivations for Microdosing:
Common reasons included enhancing mindfulness, mood improvement, and boosting creativity and learning. Women were more likely to seek mood improvement and anxiety reduction, while men prioritised cognitive enhancement.
Microdosing Practices:
Psilocybin was used by 85% of microdosers, often in doses of 0.1–0.3 grams of dried mushrooms taken multiple times a week. “Stacking” was prevalent, with popular combinations including Lion’s Mane mushrooms and niacin.
Other Substance Use Patterns:
Microdosers exhibited lower alcohol and tobacco use but higher cannabis use compared to non-microdosers.
Discussion
Microdosing emerged as a predominantly therapeutic practice, targeting mental health improvement and overall wellness. While motivations and benefits are promising, the study’s cross-sectional design limits causal interpretations. It highlighted the importance of differentiating between psychedelics like psilocybin and LSD, given their distinct patterns of use and effects.
The study also flagged the need for rigorous research to validate anecdotal claims, particularly regarding stacking practices and their supposed synergistic benefits.
Implications
This research suggests that microdosing may serve as a complementary approach for managing mental health symptoms. It also underscores the growing popularity of natural psychedelics like psilocybin, reflecting societal shifts toward wellness-oriented treatments. The findings support the need for informed practices and regulatory frameworks to ensure safe and effective microdosing protocols.
Potential Application
Microdosing could be explored further in therapeutic settings to address anxiety, depression, and stress. Healthcare practitioners might also consider it as part of broader wellness strategies, especially as psychedelics gain medical legitimacy. Additionally, public education on safe microdosing practices is essential to maximise benefits while minimising risks.
Conclusions
Microdosing psychedelics offers intriguing possibilities for enhancing mental health and overall well-being. While initial findings are promising, more longitudinal and controlled studies are necessary to confirm these benefits and establish safety guidelines. This study serves as a crucial step in understanding microdosing’s role in modern mental health care.
Reference:
Rootman, J. M., Kryskow, P., Harvey, K., Stamets, P., Santos-Brault, E., Kuypers, K. P. C., Polito, V., Bourzat, F., & Walsh, Z. (2021). Adults who microdose psychedelics report health-related motivations and lower levels of anxiety and depression compared to non-microdosers. Scientific Reports, 11, 22479. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-01811-4
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