Around a decade ago, various media outlets, including WIRED, highlighted a peculiar trend at the intersection of mental health, drug science, and Silicon Valley biohacking known as microdosing. This practice involves consuming small amounts of psychedelic drugs, such as psilocybin mushrooms or LSD, not to induce full-blown hallucinations but for more stable and gentler effects. The typical microdoser aimed for mood and energy boosts, akin to a gentle spring breeze for the mind, rather than intense visions.
Anecdotal evidence suggested that microdosing acted like a psychedelic Swiss Army knife, claiming benefits like increased focus, enhanced libido, and notably, reduced depression levels. While hailed as miraculous by some, others questioned its effectiveness. Could a mere 5 percent of an LSD dose deliver such results? A new comprehensive study by an Australian biopharma company suggests that microdosing's benefits, particularly for clinical depression, may be significantly overstated.
A Phase 2B trial by Melbourne-based MindBio Therapeutics involved 89 adult patients, examining the effects of microdosing LSD in treating major depressive disorder. The findings revealed the psychedelic was actually outperformed by a placebo. Over an eight-week period, symptoms were assessed using the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), a reputable tool for evaluating depression.
Although the study has yet to be published, MindBio's CEO Justin Hanka disclosed the primary results on LinkedIn, eager to highlight his company's advanced stance in microdosing research. He described it as “the most vigorous placebo controlled trial ever performed in microdosing.” The study showed that participants receiving small doses of LSD (ranging from 4 to 20 micrograms, below hallucinogenic levels) reported feelings of enhanced well-being, but recorded worse MADRS scores than those given a placebo, which consisted of a caffeine pill. In psychedelic trials, where participants expect mind-altering effects, studies often employ “active placebos” like caffeine or methylphenidate, known for their psychoactive properties.