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Petra P. M. Hurks

Maastricht University

2 papers in the library · 16 citations · publishing 2023-2024

Papers

Effects of psychedelic microdosing versus conventional ADHD medication use on emotion regulation, empathy, and ADHD symptoms in adults with severe ADHD symptoms: A naturalistic prospective comparison study

European Psychiatry January 1, 2024 Eline Haijen, Petra P. M. Hurks, Kim P. C. Kuypers 10 citations

Adults with severe ADHD symptoms who microdosed psychedelics reported better emotion regulation and some empathy improvements in an initial uncontrolled study. A second study with a control group found that after four weeks, ADHD symptoms were lower in the microdosing group than in those taking conventional ADHD medication. However, only one emotion regulation measure—expressive suppression—remained improved after accounting for the control group. The findings suggest microdosing may help with ADHD symptoms and certain emotion regulation strategies, but there was no evidence for effects on empathy.

Trait mindfulness and personality characteristics in a microdosing ADHD sample: a naturalistic prospective survey study

Frontiers in Psychiatry October 16, 2023 Eline Haijen, Petra P. M. Hurks, Kim P. C. Kuypers 6 citations

Adults with ADHD who microdosed psychedelics for four weeks showed increased trait mindfulness—specifically the ability to describe and not judge inner experiences—and decreased neuroticism, while other personality traits like conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and openness remained unchanged. These changes occurred regardless of whether participants also used conventional ADHD medication or had other mental health diagnoses. The findings suggest that microdosing may alter otherwise stable psychological traits in this population, though placebo-controlled studies are needed to confirm the effects.