LSD microdosing for major depressive disorder: Mood and pharmacokinetic outcomes from a Phase 2a trial
Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry – February 18, 2026
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Microdosing LSD shows promise for enhancing mood in individuals with major depressive disorder. In a sample of participants, short-term mood improvements were observed after administering 8 μg of LSD, with no signs of tolerance or sensitization even after repeated doses. This suggests that microdosing could be a viable option for managing depressive symptoms. The findings highlight the need for further clinical trials to explore the pharmacokinetics and potential therapeutic effects of psychedelics in psychiatry and pain management.
Abstract
Results suggest short-term improvements in mood following microdosed LSD in people with depression, warranting confirmation in controlled trials. It provides the pharmacokinetic parameters of 8 μg of LSD in a sample of people with depression and indicates no tolerance or sensitisation to repeated microdoses of LSD, despite incremental dose titration.