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The therapeutic potential of microdosing psychedelics in depression

Summary

This review examines whether taking very small doses of psychedelic drugs like LSD and psilocybin might help treat depression. While users report benefits and some studies show subtle positive effects on mood and thinking, scientists have not yet confirmed whether microdosing actually works as a depression treatment. More research with depressed patients is needed to understand if this approach is truly helpful and safe for regular use.

Background

Microdosing psychedelics involves repeated use of small doses of substances like LSD and psilocybin. Despite popular claims that microdosing has therapeutic value in affective disorders like depression, limited scientific evidence exists to support these claims. Recent research has focused on understanding the potential therapeutic applications of psychedelics in psychiatric conditions.

Objective

This review investigates whether there is scientific evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of low doses of psychedelics in treating affective disorders. The aim is to examine experimental studies on microdosing LSD and psilocybin to determine if this practice could be helpful and safe for repeated use in depression treatment.

Results

Both LSD (10-20 mcg) and psilocybin (<1-3 mg) showed subtle positive effects on cognitive processes including time perception, convergent and divergent thinking, and brain regions involved in affective processes. However, increased anxiety and cycling patterns of depressive and euphoric mood were also observed. Low doses were well-tolerated with minimal physiological effects, though long-term therapeutic value for depression remains unclear.

Conclusion

While microdosing shows potential for inducing cognitive flexibility and reducing rumination through subtle effects on selective processes, current evidence is insufficient to confirm therapeutic value for depression. Future placebo-controlled clinical trials in depressed patients are needed to establish efficacy, determine optimal dosing schedules, and compare effects between LSD and psilocybin.
  • Published in:Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology,
  • Study Type:Systematic Review,
  • Source: PMC7457631; PMID: 32922736; DOI: 10.1177/2045125320950567
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