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Adults Who Microdose Psychedelics Report Health Related Motivations and Lower Levels of Anxiety and Depression Compared to Non-microdosers

Summary

This research examined how taking very small doses of psychedelic substances like psilocybin mushrooms or LSD affects mental health and wellbeing. The study found that people who practice microdosing reported lower levels of depression, anxiety and stress compared to those who don’t microdose. Most participants used these substances to enhance mindfulness, improve mood, and boost creativity rather than to get high. Impacts on everyday life: • Provides evidence that microdosing may help manage common mental health issues like anxiety and depression • Suggests microdosing could be an alternative to traditional medications for some people • Shows potential for improving general wellbeing and cognitive performance in healthy individuals • Indicates microdosing may help reduce problematic alcohol and tobacco use • Highlights the importance of further research into safe and effective dosing practices

Background

Psychedelic substances have a long history of use among Indigenous peoples for health and healing purposes. While these practices faced centuries of suppression, there has been renewed interest in psychedelics for mental health treatment and wellbeing enhancement. Microdosing, the practice of taking sub-perceptual doses of psychedelics, has gained particular attention despite limited research on its effects.

Objective

This study aimed to characterize microdosing practices, motivations and mental health outcomes among a large sample of self-selected microdosers compared to non-microdosers. The researchers sought to examine differences in depression, anxiety and stress symptoms between groups, particularly among those reporting mental health concerns.

Results

Psilocybin was the most commonly used microdose substance (85%) compared to LSD (11%). Over half of microdosers practiced ‘stacking’ – combining psychedelics with substances like Lion’s Mane mushrooms. Among those reporting mental health concerns, microdosers demonstrated lower scores on anxiety, depression, and stress compared to non-microdosers. The most common motivations were enhancing mindfulness, improving mood, and enhancing creativity. Microdosers were more likely to abstain from alcohol and tobacco but reported higher cannabis use.

Conclusion

The findings highlight therapeutic and wellness motivations for microdosing and identified lower levels of anxiety and depression among microdosers versus controls. The study revealed diverse microdosing practices in terms of substance choice, dosing, frequency and combinations. While results suggest potential benefits, more rigorous research is needed to determine impacts on cognition, mood and wellbeing.
  • Published in:Scientific Reports,
  • Study Type:Cross-sectional Survey,
  • Source: 10.1038/s41598-021-01811-4
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