LSD Microdosing Fails to Treat ADHD in Clinical Trial

LSD has been found to have limited benefits for individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in a recent small clinical trial. The study, published in JAMA Psychiatry, revealed that microdoses of the psychedelic did not significantly improve symptoms of ADHD in participants.

The Study

Researchers at the University of Basel in Switzerland conducted the study, which involved 53 individuals with diagnosed ADHD between the ages of 18 and 65. Participants were randomized to receive either a placebo or low doses of LSD twice a week for six weeks. The dosage used was 20 micrograms of LSD, which is below the recreational dose but at the upper limit of what is considered microdosing.

Results

The results showed that participants in both groups reported improvements in their ADHD symptoms within two weeks of the study starting. However, the LSD group did not fare significantly better than the placebo group. The researchers noted that 20 micrograms of LSD can still cause mild acute psychedelic effects in people, and those who believed they were taking LSD reported a greater improvement than those who believed they were taking a placebo.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that LSD microdosing does not have a tangible pharmacological effect on ADHD symptoms. According to lead study author Lorenz Müller, "The supposed subjective treatment benefit is therefore due to the expectation of a benefit and the placebo effect rather than the actual substance." The study highlights the importance of rigorous research and placebo-controlled clinical trials in assessing the potential benefits of low-dose psychedelics.

Implications

While the study’s results are negative, they do not prove that LSD cannot be useful for other conditions, even at smaller doses. The researchers found that low-dose LSD was generally safe and tolerated, and the results do not diminish the potential benefits of psychedelics in treating other conditions such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. The study underscores the need for randomized placebo-controlled trials to validly assess the potential benefits of low-dose psychedelics.

The Future of Psychedelic Therapy

Given the growing interest in psychedelic therapy, rigorous research is essential to determine the true benefits and limitations of these substances. The study authors emphasize the importance of careful evaluation and testing to ensure that any potential benefits are not due to the placebo effect or expectancy bias. As research continues to explore the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, it is crucial to maintain a commitment to scientific rigor and evidence-based medicine.