Consuming Small Amounts of Psychedelics Associated with Decreased Levels of Anxiety and Depression
In the aftermath of the pandemic, a growing body of research and opinion pieces are suggesting that psychedelics, such as psilocybin and MDMA (Ecstasy), could play a significant role in addressing post-pandemic mental health concerns when paired with therapy.
The 2021 Global Drug Survey revealed that one in four individuals who tried psychedelics in the past year reported microdosing, with some claiming mental health benefits. Psilocybin (magic mushrooms) and LSD (acid) were among the most commonly microdosed psychedelics.
A study conducted in March 2021, however, showed similar positive results between a microdosing group and a placebo control group after four weeks, suggesting that microdosing benefits might be explained by a placebo effect. It's worth noting that the study did not specifically ask pandemic-related questions.
Despite this, research continues to support the idea that microdosing may improve creativity and focus, contributing to its recent rise in popularity. Chang Lu, PhD, a professor of chemical engineering at Virginia Tech, has stated that psychedelics can alleviate depression or PTSD for several months, despite disappearing from blood or urine within hours.
The first study to show a link between microdosing and mental health outcomes was conducted by researchers at the University of British Columbia (UBC). This study looked at how different microdose patterns and behaviors affected the well-being of individuals outside the laboratory, using data from 8,703 anonymous respondents from 84 nations. The largest percentage of respondents were from the United States, Canada, Australia, and Great Britain.
The study found that health- and wellness-related motives were among the most prominent factors for microdosing. A large observational study also showed a link between microdosing and a reduction in symptoms associated with anxiety, depression, and stress.
As the interest in psychedelics grows, institutions like Johns Hopkins University and the University of California have expanded their psychedelic research programs, supported by more availability of these substances for scientific study. The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) in the USA has recently increased production of psychedelic substances to meet growing research demand.
However, further research is needed to determine the long-term effects of psychedelics in humans. An study on mice presented direct evidence of long-lasting changes in brain neurobiology from a single dose of a psychedelic drug similar to LSD.
Joe Moore, co-founder and CEO of Psychedelics Today, emphasizes the importance of finding the right dosages for all compounds to ensure effectiveness and avoid unpredictable or negative results. Evidence suggests that low doses administered every few days could be considered safe.
A forthcoming follow-up survey will take a closer look at COVID-related microdosing practices. As research continues to unfold, the potential role of psychedelics in mental health care is becoming increasingly clear, offering hope for those struggling with mental health issues in the post-pandemic world.
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