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

Summary & key facts

Researchers interviewed 13 people online who had been microdosing psychedelic drugs to try to help their mental health and wellbeing. The interviews were anonymous and written, and the researchers looked for common meanings in the stories. People said they used microdosing carefully and on purpose, treating it like an experiment, and many reported mental health benefits plus changes in thinking, body, and social life. These are personal reports from a small, self-selected group, so the study shows how some users make sense of microdosing rather than proving it works for everyone.

Key facts:

• The study talked in depth with 13 people who had tried microdosing. The conversations were anonymous and done by written internet interviews.
• Researchers looked for shared themes in the stories. They found three main ideas: people were seeking a solution and had clear reasons for trying microdosing; they approached dosing in a careful, experimental way; and they described microdosing as a catalyst for positive changes.
• Everyone in the study said they used microdosing with purpose. Many described planning doses, watching effects, and adjusting like a personal experiment.
• Participants reported that microdosing helped their mental health and wellbeing. They also mentioned changes in thinking (cognitive), in their bodies (physical), and in relationships or social life.
• Because this was a small, qualitative study with people who chose to take part, the findings describe those people’s experiences and meanings. The study does not prove microdosing causes these benefits for everyone.
• The authors say these personal reports help researchers understand why people try microdosing and can guide future studies that test whether the reported benefits are real and safe.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: 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. METHOD: 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. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSIONS: 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.

Topics

Diverse academic research themes Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis Psychedelics and Drug Studies

Categories

Clinical Psychology Psychology Social Sciences

Tags

Applied psychology Interpretative phenomenological analysis Meaning (existential) Mental health Psychology Psychotherapist Qualitative research Social psychology Social science Sociology Superordinate goals

Substances

LSD Psilocybin

Conditions & symptoms

Anxiety Depression Anxiety or worry Difficulty focusing Lack of energy or motivation Sadness or low mood