There is a lot of talk about microdosing and the positive effects it can have. At the time of writing, there are about a hundred thousand followers on the topic of Microdosing on Reddit and people are talking about amazing results. And with seemingly few side effects. So what is it, why do people do it and what can we conclude?
What is microdosing?
Microdosing is a concept that involves taking small doses of psychedelic drugs, most often psilocybin or LSD. The dosage is usually about one-tenth of a typical user dose and should be just below/above the level of psychoactive effect. By taking such a microdose, many claim that one gets the positive effect of psychedelic drugs into everyday life without taking full doses.
Why do people microdose?
Many people report good results from microdosing and that it helps with a variety of issues. The most common uses are for treating depression and anxiety, ADD/ADHD, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and as a performance enhancer for increased concentration, creativity, and physical performance. In addition, the risks are reduced compared to high-dose use of psychedelics, and many people are able to combine microdosing with a normal workday.
What does the research say so far?
There have been a number of studies done on microdosing that can be said to provide some indicators. There is little money to be raised and little support to be received from the public, so it may take some time before we can conclude. This means that until there are more placebo-controlled studies, you have to interpret the results a little as you want so far.
Most research into creativity, openness and general mental well-being
One study looked at changes in personality, mental health, and creativity. The results from this study suggest that there is a significant relationship between microdosing and measures of mental health, including reductions in dysfunctional attitudes and negative emotionality, and increased openness and creativity. The study has several weaknesses, the biggest being the sample size and the fact that it is not placebo-controlled. However, the study concludes that there are good enough indications to explore this area further; “These findings are the initial evidence that warrants RCTs to directly test safety and therapeutic efficacy.” Several survey studies have also been conducted (e.g. this one ) that also conclude that it is promising, but the same challenge remains here. Those who have completed the survey are also perhaps those who have had the best experience, and without a placebo control, much of the effect may lie in the placebo.
What does the risk picture look like?
It is known that the physiological risk picture is good for classic psychedelics, even at full dosages. They have very low toxicity and it takes terribly large doses to die from an overdose. When taking microdoses, the risk is significantly lower again, also for psychological damage. There are some who report worsening of symptoms, especially groups who struggle with anxiety or personality disorders. The effect seems to be temporary in most cases, but I would always recommend that people pay attention to how they experience it and write a diary to register the development.