155. EXPLORING LSD MICRODOSING IN AN OPEN-LABEL PILOT FOR MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER: THE INTERPLAY OF BEHAVIORAL ACTIVATION, MOOD IMPROVEMENT, AND CONNECTEDNESS
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology August 1, 2025 C Donegan, D Daldagen-Bueno, Robin J. Murphy et al.
In an open label trial, 17 people with major depressive disorder took 15 doses of LSD at home and one in a clinic over 8 weeks. Afterward, participants reported increased connectedness to self, others, and nature; greater motivation for activities; improved mood; and better coping with negative situations. Some experienced side effects or no change in symptoms. The findings suggest that microdosing LSD may create a positive feedback loop where improved mood, behavioral activation, and connectedness reinforce each other, and that adding a titration protocol and encouraging psychologically beneficial activities could enhance benefits and reduce side effects.