Psychedelic microdosing benefits and challenges: an empirical codebook
Thomas Anderson, Rotem Petranker, Adam Christopher, Daniel Rosenbaum, Cory R. Weissman, Lê-Anh Dinh-Williams, Katrina Hui, Emma Hapke
Harm Reduction Journal July 9, 2019 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-019-0308-4 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Mixed-methods study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Active microdosing community |
| Intervention | Microdosing |
| Topics | LSD Psilocybin Microdosing |
| Keywords | Hallucinogen Popularity Pharmacology |
| Citations | 130 |
| Key points | The MDBC taxonomy distills high-potential intervention targets from participant reports to inform efficient allocation of research funding. |
Abstract
These mixed-methods results help summarize and frame the experiences reported by an active microdosing community as high-potential avenues for future scientific research. The MDBC taxonomy reported here informs future research, leveraging participant reports to distil the highest-potential intervention targets so research funding can be efficiently allocated. Microdosing research complements the full-dose literature as clinical treatments are developed and neuropharmacological mechanisms are sought. This framework aims to inform researchers and clinicians as experimental microdosing research begins in earnest in the years to come.
In the evidence
This study is part of the evidence base for 2 syntheses in the library. Here is how each one recorded it.
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Compiles participant-reported benefits and challenges into a taxonomy intended to frame future microdosing research targets.
Synthesized
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Distills participant-reported benefits and challenges into a taxonomy to guide future microdosing research.
Synthesized
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on LSD and microdosing, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Experiences of microdosing psychedelics in an attempt to support wellbeing and mental health. People who microdose psychedelic drugs | 2023 | Qualitative study | n = 13 |
| Qualitative content analysis of expectations in participants with depression about to begin LSD microdosing treatment: Identifying the need for psychedelic expectancy measures. Individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) | 2025 | Qualitative study | n = 23 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 101
- Psychedelics in Psychiatry: Neuroplastic, Immunomodulatory, and Neurotransmitter Mechanisms Pharmacological Reviews December 16, 2020
- Positive expectations predict improved mental-health outcomes linked to psychedelic microdosing Scientific Reports January 21, 2021
- Mood and cognition after administration of low LSD doses in healthy volunteers: A placebo controlled dose-effect finding study European Neuropsychopharmacology October 17, 2020
- Psychedelic Microdosing: A Subreddit Analysis Journal of Psychoactive Drugs October 24, 2019
- Psychedelic Microdosing: Prevalence and Subjective Effects Journal of Psychoactive Drugs January 23, 2020
and 96 more in the library
Cites 28
- Psilocybin produces substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer: A randomized double-blind trial Journal of Psychopharmacology November 30, 2016
- Rapid and sustained symptom reduction following psilocybin treatment for anxiety and depression in patients with life-threatening cancer: a randomized controlled trial Journal of Psychopharmacology November 30, 2016
- Human hallucinogen research: guidelines for safety. Journal of Psychopharmacology July 1, 2008
- Psilocybin-assisted treatment for alcohol dependence: A proof-of-concept study Journal of Psychopharmacology January 13, 2015
- Psilocybin with psychological support for treatment-resistant depression: six-month follow-up. Psychopharmacology November 8, 2017
and 23 more in the library