Microdosing and ADHD: Can Microdosing Psilocybin Help You Manage ADHD Symptoms? 

In recent years, the ADHD community has shown growing interest in microdosing psilocybin as an alternative approach. 

This article explores the potential of microdosing psilocybin for managing ADHD symptoms, highlighting recent research findings and considering its place alongside traditional treatments.

What is Microdosing Psilocybin?

Microdosing psilocybin is the practice of taking small amounts of magic mushrooms to support mental and emotional well-being while minimizing side effects.

This practice is believed to enhance creativity, focus, and emotional balance without producing intense visual hallucinations or profound shifts in perception associated with higher doses. 

Interest in microdosing has surged within the ADHD community as individuals seek alternative methods to manage symptoms, spurred by anecdotal reports and emerging research on its potential cognitive and therapeutic benefits.

If you want to dive deeper into microdosing, please check our guide and explore what microdosing is.

What is ADHD? 

ADHD, or Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

Diagnosed through a combination of behavioural assessments and medical evaluation, ADHD affects individuals’ ability to function in daily activities and maintain relationships.

Traditional treatments include medication, such as stimulants (Ritalin, Adderall, Vyvanse), and behavioural therapies aimed at managing symptoms, such as behaviour therapy, social skills training, and cognitive behaviour therapy. 

The impact of ADHD extends beyond daily challenges, potentially influencing long-term mental health and social well-being, prompting individuals and researchers to explore alternative treatment methods like microdosing psilocybin and other holistic treatments.

The Research Behind Microdosing for ADHD

Studies suggest that microdosing psilocybin could offer benefits in managing ADHD symptoms, improving emotion regulation, and even affecting empathy, compared to traditional ADHD medications.

The findings are detailed in a recent research paper titled “Trait mindfulness and personality characteristics in a microdosing ADHD sample: a naturalistic prospective survey study,” published in Frontiers in Psychiatry. [Read the full paper here]

Here are 5 essential findings:

1. Increased Mindfulness: Microdosing led to enhanced mindfulness, specifically in the areas of non-judging of inner experiences, suggesting a potential for improved attentional focus and emotional regulation.
2. Reduced Neuroticism: Participants exhibited a significant decrease in neuroticism after four weeks of microdosing, indicating a potential reduction in negative emotional states associated with ADHD.
3. Overall Personality Remains Stable: While neuroticism decreased, other personality traits (conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and openness) remained unchanged, suggesting that microdosing may specifically target aspects of emotional stability without altering overall personality structure.
4. No Influence from Conventional Medication or Comorbidities: The study found that the effects of microdosing on mindfulness and personality traits were not affected by the concurrent use of conventional ADHD medication or the presence of comorbid diagnoses; although it did take longer for those using traditional medications while microdosing to see benefits
5. Need for Placebo-Controlled Studies: The research underlines the importance of future studies with controlled settings to confirm these findings and explore the long-term effects of microdosing on ADHD symptoms.

A follow-up study by the same group was conducted to continue investigations on the effects of microdosing on emotional regulation and empathy in those with ADHD. Unlike the first study, the follow-up also included a control group. .

Here are three essential findings:

1. Microdosing Improves ADHD Symptoms: Participants who microdosed reported a significant reduction in ADHD symptoms compared to those using conventional medication, particularly after four weeks of microdosing.
2. Enhanced Emotion Regulation: The study observed positive effects on emotion regulation among microdosers. These effects were likely due to a component of emotional regulation, called expressive suppression, which refers to one’s ability to control their facial reactions to emotion.
3. Effects on Empathy: The results of the follow-up study did showed no impact on measures of empathy in the microdosing group.

Researcher Eline Haijen is one of the Ph.D. pioneers who conducted the above research at Maastricht University. In a podcast from Jan 2023, she summarizes the results by stating:

“[During the microdosing and ADHD study], we found that ADHD symptoms were decreased after two weeks [of microdosing], and further after four weeks; Well-being was increased after two weeks and stayed at the same level after four weeks. This is in line with what people report anecdotally. ”  

The studies referenced suggest that microdosing psilocybin could offer benefits in managing ADHD symptoms, potentially by offering mechanisms to improve emotional regulation compared to traditional ADHD medications. 

However, these naturalistic studies highlight the need for further, more rigorous research to validate these findings fully. 

For an in-depth explanation of how psilocybin might rewire the brain, check this article.

Personal experiences from the online microdosing community

In a Reddit thread under the name r/microdosing, many microdosers with ADHD share their anecdotal experiences with microdosing.  Below are a few of their experiences:

“I’ve been doing 1-2 shroom MD days/week and generally 2 lsd days, and I love it. I still take a bit of my ADHD meds here and there, but I’d say my consumption is down to less than 20% of my prescribed dose and my symptoms more in check than they have been in years.”

“I’ve completely weaned off of my Ritalin.”

“It helps way way more than stimulants for me. Took stimulants for 13 years. Microdosing is superior, cheaper, more fun and meaningful, and less bad for you.” 

While these personal stories do not validate microdosing as an effective tool for managing ADHD symptoms, they do give rise to the need for more scientific research to explore microdosing as an alternative for ADHD support.

Risks and Considerations for Microdosing for ADHD

Potential side effects and health risks of microdosing for ADHD may include inability to focus, anxiety, or increased emotional states that are challenging to regulate. Often, these side effects are a result of taking a dose that is too high. See a full list of potential side effects here. 

Given the experimental nature of microdosing and the legal status of substances often used, individuals should approach microdosing with ADHD cautiously. 

Consulting with a psychedelic-friendly healthcare provider is crucial to evaluating personal health and potential medicine interactions. A medical professional can offer personalized advice and ensure that any treatment approach, including microdosing, aligns with your overall health strategy.

Conclusion 

Microdosing psilocybin shows potential as an alternative method of supporting ADHD, with recent research suggesting improvements in mindfulness, emotional regulation, and reduced neuroticism without altering core personality traits. 

While this new research is exciting,  they do underline the need for further research to understand microdosing’s full impact on those with ADHD. 

While anecdotal evidence from the ADHD community points toward benefits, weighing the risks and legal considerations is crucial. 

Those interested in exploring microdosing further may consider booking a 1:1 coaching call with a Microdosify Coach for tailored guidance.

FAQ 

Can I microdose while on traditional ADHD medication? 

Yes, it is likely safe to microdose while on traditional ADHD medication. Research, such as the study from Frontiers in Psychiatry, indicates that individuals on conventional ADHD medications can still experience benefits from microdosing. However, it may take longer to observe these effects. 

However, it’s crucial to approach this carefully and consult a healthcare provider to ensure safety and manage any potential medication interactions.

Can microdosing replace my current ADHD medication?

Further research is needed to fully understand the potential of microdosing to replace traditional ADHD medication. It’s essential to consult with a medical professional before making any changes to your medication regimen.

What is the best protocol for microdosing with ADHD?

The best protocol for microdosing with ADHD hasn’t been universally established due to individual differences and the experimental nature of microdosing. 

Well-known microdosing protocols include the Fadiman protocol, where individuals take a microdose every three days, and the Stamets protocol, suggesting five days on followed by two days off. 

These protocols aim to optimize the benefits while minimizing tolerance. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new regimen.

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