Psilocybin microdosers demonstrate greater observed improvements in mood and mental health at one month relative to non-microdosing controls

Author: mycolabadmin
6/30/2022
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Summary

This study followed nearly 1000 people who microdose psilocybin (small regular doses of psilocybin mushrooms) and compared them to 180 people who don’t microdose over one month. Microdosers showed greater improvements in mood, depression, anxiety, and stress compared to the control group. Interestingly, when older adults combined psilocybin with lion’s mane mushrooms and niacin, they showed better improvements in motor control and speed. The effects were fairly consistent across different ages and genders, suggesting psilocybin microdosing may have real benefits for mental health.

Background

Psilocybin microdosing involves repeated self-administration of small doses of psilocybin-containing mushrooms that do not impair regular functioning. Public uptake of microdosing has outpaced scientific evidence, with diverse practices including combinations with lion’s mane mushrooms and niacin. Further prospective research with control groups is needed to establish efficacy and safety.

Objective

To examine prospective changes in mood, mental health, and cognitive/psychomotor functioning associated with psilocybin microdosing compared to non-microdosing controls over approximately 30 days. Secondary objectives included examining consistency of effects across age, gender, and mental health status, and evaluating the effects of combining psilocybin with lion’s mane and niacin.

Results

Microdosers demonstrated small- to medium-sized improvements in mood and mental health with greater reductions in depression, anxiety, and stress compared to controls. Improvements were consistent across gender, age, and presence of mental health concerns. Psychomotor improvements were specific to older adults combining psilocybin with lion’s mane and niacin. No effects on spatial memory or processing speed were observed.

Conclusion

Findings demonstrate consistent associations between psilocybin microdosing and improved mood and mental health over one month, with effects robust across demographic groups. The combination of psilocybin, lion’s mane, and niacin showed promise for psychomotor improvements in older adults. Further research with rigorous designs is needed to confirm effects and establish optimal dosing practices and safety profiles.

Published in:Scientific Reports,
Study Type:Prospective Observational Study,
Source: PMID: 35773270, DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14512-3