The Viability of Microdosing Psychedelics as a Strategy to Enhance Cognition and Well-being - An Early Review
This review (2020) examines the viability of microdosing psychedelics as a method to improve cognition and well-being. Available evidence indicates a variety of (perceived) benefits, including improvements in mood, focus, and creativity, with some people experiencing no discernible effects or expressing concerns about selective negative consequences like increased anxiety. However, most insights stem from observational studies using convenience samples that are biased or unrepresentative of the general population.
Authors
- Bornemann, J.
Published
Abstract
Psychedelic substances are currently experiencing a renaissance in interest for both therapeutic as well as recreational applications. It has been proposed that microdosing, i.e., ingesting sub-perceptual doses of a psychedelic, could confer some of the benefits of these substances to users while minimizing the risks associated with full-dose use. This review aimed to summarize and examine the extant literature on psychedelic microdosing. Exploratory evidence published to date indicates a variety of benefits reported by microdosers including improvements in mood, focus, and creativity, with some null reports, and a minority of people reporting selective negative consequences such as increased anxiety and physiological discomfort. Methodological limitations of current evidence, however, make definitive conclusions hard to draw. Recommendations for future research are given.
Research Summary of 'The Viability of Microdosing Psychedelics as a Strategy to Enhance Cognition and Well-being - An Early Review'
Introduction
Interest in psychedelic substances has resurged for both therapeutic and recreational purposes, yet rigorous research remains limited because of legal restrictions and stigma. Earlier studies suggest full-dose psychedelic experiences can produce therapeutic benefits for conditions such as substance dependence, end-of-life anxiety, depression and OCD, and recreational use has been associated with increased openness, prosocial behaviour, positive affect and creative problem-solving. At the same time, full-dose experiences can be challenging and, in rare cases, lead to persistent adverse outcomes such as panic attacks, flashbacks and hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD). Microdosing, commonly defined in the paper as ingesting between one tenth and one twentieth of a typical psychedelic dose so that effects are subperceptual, has been proposed as a way to capture some benefits while reducing risks associated with full-dose use. Bornemann sets out to summarise the extant literature on psychedelic microdosing to evaluate whether it is a viable strategy to enhance cognition and well-being and to identify potential risks. The review places qualitative and quantitative evidence on a spectrum of evidential strength and aims to clarify where more rigorous research is needed.
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Bornemann, J. (2020). The Viability of Microdosing Psychedelics as a Strategy to Enhance Cognition and Well-being - An Early Review. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 52(4), 300-308. https://doi.org/10.1080/02791072.2020.1761573
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