Microdosing psychedelics has no impact on cognitive function in naturalistic settings
Journal of Psychology & Clinical Psychiatry August 1, 2023 DOI: 10.15406/jpcpy.2023.14.00738 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational within-subjects design Longitudinal Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 17 |
| Population | Participants during their microdosing regimen |
| Intervention | psychedelic microdoses |
| Topics | Microdosing |
| Keywords | Neurocognitive Cognition Cognitive psychology |
| Citations | 3 |
| Key findings | Microdosing psychedelics was not significantly linked to enhanced or diminished performance on any measured cognitive domain, suggesting subjective enhancement may be psychological rather than neurocognitive. |
Abstract
Background and
Aim: Subjective and anecdotal accounts link ingestion of psychedelic microdoses, quantities small enough to retain perceptual clarity, to enhanced cognitive function and performance. In this study we review current evidence, test the link between domains of cognitive function and microdosing psychedelics and evaluate a remote testing approach for cognitive function.
Methods: In an observational within-subjects design, we repeatedly assessed 17 participants during their microdosing regimen using the CNSVS neurocognitive battery in a naturalistic setting.
Results: We found that neither the day of microdosing, nor the day after microdosing are significantly linked to enhanced or diminished performance on processing speed, sustained attention, inhibitory control, set shifting, working memory, visual memory and verbal memory.
Conclusion: Microdosing psychedelics may act on psychological rather than neurocognitive pathways to induce a subjective feeling of performance enhancement. The use of remote cognitive batteries might benefit longitudinal cross-cultural studies by reducing participant burden