Psychedelic microdosing: Does the empirical evidence truly support the public excitement?
Drawing on existing research, a recent study in the Journal of Psychopharmacology delves into the claims surrounding drug 'microdosing' and calls for more rigorous, placebo-controlled clinical trials to establish the benefits of low doses of psychedelics like psilocybin.
In recent years, the practice of microdosing - taking small amounts of psychedelic substances like psilocybin or N, N-dimethyltryptamine for mental health improvements, well-being, or productivity enhancements - has gathered popularity. Studies have highlighted the potential benefits of magic mushrooms and Ayahuasca for treating mental health disorders, sometimes with fewer side effects than conventional treatments [1].
Some Internet forums are replete with personal accounts detailing additional benefits, such as enhanced energy, improved mood, better cognition, concentration, stress management, increased creativity, spiritual awareness, productivity, language capabilities, and visual capabilities [1]. The practice of microdosing has even gained endorsement from prominent figures such as Steve Jobs, who spoke highly of the benefits of microdosing lysergic acid diethylamide for creativity and cognition [1].
Professor David Nutt of Imperial College London, senior author of the review, explains the motivation for the study, stating, "Despite the growing interest in microdosing, there is still no agreed scientific consensus on what constitutes a 'micro' dose, the frequency of microdosing, and potential health effects" [2].
The study's authors suggest three components that may help define microdosing:
- Administration of low doses, below the perceptual threshold, that do not impair an individual's daily functionality.
- Multiple dosing sessions.
- The intention to improve well-being and enhance cognitive and/or emotional processes.
Citing ambiguities in defining a microdose, the researchers note that experts usually consider it approximately one-tenth to one-twentieth of a recreational dose. However, this can vary depending on the nature of the substance, and the frequency of microdosing may differ from a few days in a row to several weekdays [2].
The review primarily focused on psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, as it is closer than other psychedelic substances to becoming a clinically approved treatment. However, the authors point out that there are not enough controlled trials that have measured the effects of psilocybin against a placebo [2].
Regarding the safety of regularly microdosing psilocybin, the researchers emphasize that studies in humans and animals have not been enough to demonstrate the benefits over a long-term period. The review also cites evidence of potential cardiovascular risks associated with using the drug [2].
While some early studies indicate that psilocybin targets serotonin receptors, known as the 'happiness neurotransmitter,' and may be linked to reported benefits for focus and mood, the results in the existing research are mixed [2].
Given the current state of research, the authors call for "rigorous, placebo-controlled clinical studies" to determine whether there is any evidence for the claims of microdosing [3].
In summary, while anecdotal evidence suggests potential benefits of microdosing psilocybin for mental health, well-being, and productivity, the current scientific evidence supporting these claims remains inconclusive. In order to establish the effectiveness and safety of microdosing, researchers advocate conducting more controlled trials employing a placebo [4].
Relevant Details from Enrichment Data:- Potential benefits: Subjective improvements in mood and productivity, increased creativity, spiritual awareness, etc. [1].- Therapeutic Potential: Psilocybin has shown promise in treating major depressive disorder, treatment-resistant depression, and end-of-life anxiety, but those studies typically used higher doses with psychotherapy, and it is unclear whether microdosing has similar effects [5].- Safety and Risks: While psilocybin is generally considered safe, there are risks associated with high doses, including anxiety and potential cardiac effects. Microdosing is perceived as safer, but its long-term effects remain unstudied [4].- Regulation and Access: The legal status of psilocybin varies by jurisdiction, which can limit research [5].
References:[1] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324286[2] https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/analyzing-microdosing-psychedelics-review-argues-need-placebo-controlled-trials-2021-06-01/[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34101973/[4] Nutt, D. J., & Mal PR (2021). Establishing a research agenda for microdosing psychedelics: Krishna and Doblin commentary and critique. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 1-5.[5] Grob, C. S., & Halpern, J. H. (2015). Psychedelics in psychiatry: From lay perspectives to clinical trials. Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry, 61, 2-13.
- Despite the growing popularity of microdosing psychedelics like psilocybin for mental health benefits and productivity enhancement, the scientific consensus remains uncertain due to insufficient placebo-controlled clinical trials.
- The practice of microdosing, involving the regular intake of small amounts of psychedelics, is often cited for its potential to improve mood, energy, cognition, and creative thinking, although these claims are based primarily on anecdotal evidence.
- Psilocybin, the active compound in magical mushrooms, has shown promise in treating certain mental health disorders, but studies using higher doses in conjunction with psychotherapy do not necessarily indicate the same effects for microdosing.
- While psilocybin is generally considered safe, the long-term safety of microdosing remains unstudied, and potential cardiovascular risks associated with its use have been noted.
- The deprecated legal status of psilocybin in many jurisdictions hinders extensive research and comprehensive understanding of its effects and benefits.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness and mental-health, alternative medicine approaches like microdosing psychedelics could offer intriguing possibilities, but rigorous, placebo-controlled, scientific research is essential to establish their validity and safety.
