Executive function deficits, common in psychiatric disorders, may be linked to diminished neural plasticity. A pioneering study tested the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of combining psilocybin with frontal-midline theta neurofeedback (NF) to improve executive functions. Thirty-seven participants were randomized into an experimental group (18) receiving three microdose sessions followed by three psilocybin-assisted NF sessions, and a passive control group (19). NF learning showed a statistical trend for increased frontal-midline theta with a large effect size.
A pioneering trial combined microdoses of psilocybin with frontal-midline theta neurofeedback to improve executive functions in adults with deficits. Thirty-seven participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group (18 people) receiving three microdose sessions followed by three psilocybin-assisted neurofeedback sessions, or a passive control group (19 people). The approach proved feasible without psychological support. Neurofeedback learning showed a statistical trend with large effect size for increases in frontal-midline theta across sessions. No task-based improvements in executive functions emerged, but the experimental group reported significant gains in daily executive functions—working memory, shifting, monitoring, and inhibition—with medium to large effect sizes, and meaningful progress on self-selected training goals. The authors call for a larger study with an active control group to confirm specificity and lasting benefits.