Microdosing with psychedelics to self-medicate for ADHD symptoms in adults: A prospective naturalistic study

This prospective survey study (n=247) finds that those who microdose psychedelics to manage ADHD symptoms experience benefits from it. Participants scored higher on well-being after two and four weeks. The study design, a prospective survey, makes it possible to draw causal inferences (microdosing causing the improvement), but the study had a large drop-out rate (n=46 at 4 weeks).

Abstract

“ADHD in adulthood is often overlooked, which negatively affects the individual’s well-being. First-line pharmacological interventions are effective in many ADHD patients, relieving symptoms rapidly. However, there seems to be a proportion of individuals who discontinue, or fail to respond to these treatments. For these individuals, alternative treatment options should be explored. A retrospective survey study reported that using classic psychedelics in low, repeated doses, so called microdosing (MD), was more effective than conventional treatments for ADHD. The current prospective study aimed to measure the effect of MD on ADHD symptoms, well-being and temporal processing, since this cognitive domain is often impaired in ADHD. Adults with ADHD who had the intention to start MD on their initiative to self-treat their symptoms were measured before MD and two- and four weeks later. We expected a decrease in ADHD symptoms, an increase in well-being, and enhanced performance on a time perception task after MD. We explored if conventional medication use alongside MD and comorbidities alongside ADHD influenced the effect of MD. Sample sizes included N=226, N=65, and N=46, respectively. We found decreases and increases in ADHD symptoms and well-being, respectively. Time perception was only affected in individuals using conventional medication alongside MD, by over-reproducing the 1000 ms time interval. Conventional medication use and having comorbidities did not change the effect of MD on ADHD symptomatology and well-being after four weeks of MD. Placebo-controlled experimental studies are needed to explore whether there is a beneficial effect of MD for ADHD, beyond the placebo-effect.”

(poster abstract – will update when it’s out of pre-proof)

Authors: Eline C. H. M. Haijen, Petra P. M. Hurks & Kim P. C. Kuypers

Summary of Microdosing with psychedelics to self-medicate for ADHD symptoms in adults

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common developmental disorder in youths and adults. About 2.6% of adults have persistent ADHD. ADHD in adulthood is often associated with financial distress, a higher risk of criminality and suicidality, resulting in serious detrimental consequences for an individual’s quality of life and well-being. ADHD is often overlooked because of the high comorbidity rate and lack of knowledge about how ADHD is expressed in adulthood.

First-line ADHD treatments in adults mainly include pharmacological interventions to enhance dopaminergic and noradrenergic neurotransmission with stimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamine, and non-stimulant agents, such as atomoxetine. However, many adults with ADHD fail to respond to prescribed medication, which is associated with a lower quality of life.