Positive expectations predict improved mental-health outcomes linked to psychedelic microdosing
Laura Kaertner, Michael B. Steinborn, Hannes Kettner, Meg J. Spriggs, Leor Roseman, Tobias Buchborn, Maria Bălăeţ, Christopher Timmermann, David Erritzøe, Robin Carhart‐Harris
Scientific Reports January 21, 2021 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-81446-7 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA prospective study of weekly psychedelic microdosing found that participants reported improved well-being, emotional stability, and reduced anxiety and depressive symptoms over four weeks. However, baseline positive expectancy scores predicted these improvements, suggesting a significant placebo response. The findings caution against overinterpreting the therapeutic value of microdosing.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Prospective observational study Placebo-controlled Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 81 |
| Population | Individuals planning a weekly microdosing regimen |
| Intervention | Psychedelic microdosing |
| Duration | Four-week test period |
| Topics | Anxiety |
| Keywords | Mood Expectancy theory Clinical psychology Mental health |
| Citations | 152 |
| Key finding | Positive expectancy at baseline predicted improvements in well-being, indicating a placebo response rather than a direct drug effect. |
Abstract
Abstract Psychedelic microdosing describes the ingestion of near-threshold perceptible doses of classic psychedelic substances. Anecdotal reports and observational studies suggest that microdosing may promote positive mood and well-being, but recent placebo-controlled studies failed to find compelling evidence for this. The present study collected web-based mental health and related data using a prospective (before, during and after) design. Individuals planning a weekly microdosing regimen completed surveys at strategic timepoints, spanning a core four-week test period. Eighty-one participants completed the primary study endpoint. Results revealed increased self-reported psychological well-being, emotional stability and reductions in state anxiety and depressive symptoms at the four-week primary endpoint, plus increases in psychological resilience, social connectedness, agreeableness, nature relatedness and aspects of psychological flexibility. However, positive expectancy scores at baseline predicted subsequent improvements in well-being, suggestive of a significant placebo response. This study highlights a role for positive expectancy in predicting positive outcomes following psychedelic microdosing and cautions against zealous inferences on its putative therapeutic value.