Cognitive and subjective effects of psilocybin microdosing: Results from two double-blind placebo-controlled longitudinal trials
Luisa Prochazkova, Josephine Marschall, Dominique P. Lippelt, Neil R. Schon, Martin Kuchař, Bernhard Hommel
Neuropharmacology October 17, 2025 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2025.110722 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial Longitudinal Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Intervention | Microdosing psilocybin truffles |
| Duration | Longitudinal |
| Topics | Psilocybin Microdosing |
| Keywords | Cognition Hallucinogen Cognitive assessment system Clinical trial Clinical psychology Cognitive psychology |
| Citations | 3 |
| Key findings | Microdosing psilocybin truffles did not significantly affect cognitive or emotional functioning compared to placebo. |
Abstract
ObjectiveMicrodosing psychedelics has been widely reported to enhance focus and problem-solving, sparking interest in its potential to treat attentional disorders such as ADHD. However, existing studies largely rely on anecdotal evidence and lack adequate placebo control.MethodsThis study contributes to the literature by examining the longitudinal effects of microdosing psilocybin truffles in two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials conducted in semi-naturalistic settings. We assessed multiple domains, including cognitive control, memory, social cognition, subjective well-being and subjective experiences using a mix of quantitative and qualitative methods.ResultsContrary to expectations, microdosing did not significantly affect behavioral or subjective measures compared to placebo. While some initial effects were observed in social cognition, mood, and self-reported cognitive flexibility, these did not remain significant after correcting for multiple comparisons. Regardless of condition, participants predominantly reported their subjective experiences as positive yet negative bodily feelings were enhanced in the active condition. Notably, participants remained effectively blinded throughout the trials.DiscussionIn conclusion, our findings do not support the idea that microdosing psilocybin reliably enhances cognitive or emotional functioning beyond placebo. Future research should explore individual differences in response to microdosing and examine whether specific populations might benefit from targeted microdosing interventions.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on psilocybin and microdosing, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 3
- Psychedelic Safety and Clinical Outcomes Across Exposure Patterns: A Structured Narrative Review Life August 14, 2026
- Naturally Derived Psilocybin for Therapeutic Use: A Six-Criterion Framework for Evidence, Safety, and Benefit–Risk Considerations in Policy and Clinical Development Biomolecules July 3, 2026
- The Effects of Serotonergic systems on Cognitive Flexibility and Perseverative Thinking: a comparison between SSRI, classical psychedelics, and acute tryptophan depletion in a Multilevel Meta-Analysis medRxiv June 22, 2026
Cites 20
- The entropic brain: a theory of conscious states informed by neuroimaging research with psychedelic drugs Frontiers in Human Neuroscience 2014
- Psychedelics as Medicines: An Emerging New Paradigm Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics November 4, 2016
- Self-blinding citizen science to explore psychedelic microdosing. Elife March 2, 2021
- Exploring the effect of microdosing psychedelics on creativity in an open-label natural setting Psychopharmacology October 24, 2018
- Acute Subjective and Behavioral Effects of Microdoses of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide in Healthy Human Volunteers Biological Psychiatry June 3, 2019
and 15 more in the library