Microdosing LSD Does Not Appear to Be Effective ADHD Treatment in First Study
Recent research challenges the notion that microdosing lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) effectively treats attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults. A double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, published in JAMA Psychiatry, investigated the impact of repeated low doses of LSD on ADHD symptoms. The study concluded that LSD did not significantly improve ADHD symptoms compared to a placebo.
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Key Takeaways from the Study
| Finding | Details |
|---|---|
| Symptom Improvement | Both LSD and placebo groups showed similar improvements in ADHD symptoms, indicating no additional benefit from LSD. |
| Tolerability | LSD was generally well-tolerated; however, some participants reported mild side effects such as fatigue, headaches, and nausea. |
| Research Implications | The findings highlight the necessity for rigorous, placebo-controlled trials to accurately assess the efficacy of psychedelic treatments. |
Study Overview
In this phase 2A trial, researchers administered 20 micrograms of LSD twice weekly to adults with moderate to severe ADHD over six weeks. The study included 53 participants, divided equally between the LSD and placebo groups. Both groups experienced notable symptom improvements, but the lack of significant differences led researchers to conclude that LSD microdosing offers no additional benefit over placebo in alleviating ADHD symptoms.
Safety and Side Effects
Participants generally tolerated the LSD microdoses well, with only mild adverse effects reported, such as fatigue, headaches, insomnia, nausea, and mild visual alterations. However, two participants from the LSD group withdrew due to strong acute side effects—one described the experience as intense and uncomfortable, while the other found the effects pleasant but disruptive to daily activities.
Contrasting Perspectives
Previous studies have suggested potential benefits of psychedelic microdosing for ADHD. For instance, a naturalistic study observed that individuals with ADHD reported symptom relief through microdosing, deeming it more effective than conventional treatments. However, these findings were based on self-reports without placebo controls, underscoring the importance of rigorous clinical trials to validate such claims.
Conclusion
While anecdotal evidence has hinted at the potential benefits of LSD microdosing for ADHD, recent controlled clinical trials do not support its efficacy. These findings emphasize the need for further research to explore alternative treatments for ADHD and the importance of placebo-controlled studies in evaluating the therapeutic potential of psychedelics.
