The Effects of Psychedelic Microdosing on Mental Health: A Systematic Review
David F Lo, Hasan Zia, Adarsh Thakur, Praneetha Rajkumar, Don D Shamilov
Research Posters May 2, 2024 DOI: 10.31986/issn.2689-0690_rdw.stratford_research_day.96_2024 via Semantic Scholar
Summary
A systematic review of 16 articles examined the effects of psychedelic microdosing on mental health. Microdosing with LSD and psilocybin, and less commonly mescaline, DMT, and amphetamines, is used by roughly 5.5 million individuals in the U.S. to treat mental health issues. The studies indicated lower levels of anxiety, depression, and stress among those who microdose, but drawbacks such as difficulty sleeping and headaches were reported. The review notes that studies with larger sample sizes and double-blind designs are needed for a greater understanding of this treatment modality.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Systematic review Double-blind Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 16 |
| Population | Individuals who microdose psychedelics for mental health conditions |
| Keywords | Psychology Medicine |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key finding | Microdosing with psychedelics is associated with lower levels of anxiety, depression, and stress, but also with side effects like difficulty sleeping and headaches. |
Abstract
This poster explores the effects of psychedelic microdosing on mental health conditions. Roughly 5.5 million individuals in the U.S. utilize psychedelics to treat their mental health issues. The primary substances used for microdosing currently include LSD and psilocybin, but mescaline, DMT, and amphetamines are used less commonly. This systematic review included 16 unique articles. The types of articles included: observational, placebo, self-reported, motivational, literature review, and comparative studies. The studies indicated lower levels of anxiety, depression, and stress among those that microdose. However, drawbacks such as difficulty sleeping and headaches were reported. Various studies have been published on the effects of microdosing, yet studies with greater sample sizes as well as double blind studies would lead to a greater understanding of this modality of treatment.