Chronic, Intermittent Microdoses of the Psychedelic N , N -Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) Produce Positive Effects on Mood and Anxiety in Rodents

Repeated low doses of DMT, a psychedelic compound, produced antidepressant-like effects and improved fear extinction learning in male rats, without affecting working memory or social interaction. The rats also gained significant body weight during the study. The findings suggest that microdosing psychedelics may help alleviate symptoms of mood and anxiety disorders, but potential risks require further study.

Study at a glance

Abstract

-dimethyltryptamine (DMT). The behavioral and cellular effects of this dosing regimen were distinct from those induced following a single high dose of the drug. We found that chronic, intermittent, low doses of DMT produced an antidepressant-like phenotype and enhanced fear extinction learning without impacting working memory or social interaction. Additionally, male rats treated with DMT on this schedule gained a significant amount of body weight during the course of the study. Taken together, our results suggest that psychedelic microdosing may alleviate symptoms of mood and anxiety disorders, though the potential hazards of this practice warrant further investigation.