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Experiences of microdosing psychedelics in an attempt to support wellbeing and mental health.

Rebecca S Ryan, Alex Copello, Andrew P Fox

BMC Psychiatry March 14, 2023 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-04628-9 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Qualitative study Peer reviewed
Sample size 13
Population People who microdose psychedelic drugs
Intervention Microdosing psychedelic drugs
Topics LSD Microdosing Psilocybin
Keywords Mental health Wellbeing Psychedelics hallucinogens Entheogens Psychological health Emotional health Microdosing sub-perceptual dosing
Citations 12
Key findings Participants approached microdosing methodically and with purpose, reporting beneficial effects on mental health, with microdosing described as a catalyst to achieving their aims.

Abstract

Microdosing psychedelic drugs is a growing phenomenon, but little is known about the experiences surrounding this. Research broadly suggests that people may use psychedelics in an attempt to self-medicate for mental health and wellbeing. However, the precise details, rationale and meaning of such attempts remains unclear, and would benefit from clarification, using tailored experiential methods. This research therefore aimed to explore the way that users make sense of microdosing psychedelics, with a particular focus on the experience of any perceived mental health or wellbeing changes. Participants were recruited via websites and online forums. An internet text-based, semi-structured interview was conducted anonymously with 13 participants regarding their experiences of microdosing psychedelic drugs. Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis was used to analyse the transcripts. Three superordinate themes were identified through the interviews: 1) Seeking a solution: Agency and rationale; 2) Microdosers as scientists; 3) Catalysing desirable and beneficial effects. All participants approached microdosing methodically and with purpose. Participants reported that they had experienced beneficial effects of microdosing on their mental health, alongside cognitive, physical and social changes. By microdosing, participants reported that they had supported their own mental health and wellbeing, with microdosing described as a catalyst to achieving their aims in this area. This study provided additional knowledge and understanding of the experience, rationale and personal meaning of the microdosing phenomenon which can be used to inform future investigations in the areas of psychedelic use and mental health.

Comparable studies

Other qualitative studies on LSD and microdosing, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
Psychedelic microdosing benefits and challenges: an empirical codebook Active microdosing community 2019 Mixed-methods study
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

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