Microdosing psychedelics has become a trendy way to treat depression. This practice involves taking a much smaller dose than, er, recreationally considered “typical” – not enough psilocybin or LSD to feel divine cosmic oneness, but enough to provide positive effects that may include increased focus, higher libido, bland euphoria, and, most importantly, reduced cases of depression. However, a novel study aimed at boosting mood has found that the benefits of microdosing in treating depression have been greatly exaggerated. In fact, microdosing may be less effective than simply drinking a cup of coffee.
As reported Wirethe study published so far is the work of researchers from Melbourne MindBiotherapy. In the Phase 2B clinical trial – the phase in which the drug’s effectiveness is determined and optimal doses are determined for a later larger study – 89 participants were given either diminutive amounts of LSD, ranging from 4 to 20 micrograms, or a caffeine pill as a placebo. (In psychoactive tests, researchers often utilize caffeine pills as a placebo because participants expect to feel something that caffeine provides.) Over the course of eight weeks, participants were assessed for symptoms of major depression using the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), “a widely accepted clinical assessment tool for depression.”
They found that microdosing was not beneficial. In fact, the caffeine pill actually worked better. When microdosing he did leads to an increased sense of overall well-being in participants, produces worse results on the MADRS scale compared to the caffeine pill.
In other words, a cup of coffee may be more beneficial in fighting depression than diminutive amounts of psychedelics (at least in cases where people believe coffee will have an effect).
Despite this, there is no shortage of opponents. One experienced psychedelics researcher, Jim Fadiman, claims that these findings cannot be explained by a pure placebo effect, but by the fact that caffeine has psychoactive properties. “I know if you drink enough caffeine you won’t get depressed!” Fadiman states.
Whether it’s a damn placebo effect or whether coffee actually has beneficial psychoactive effects, the results seem to be the same: caffeine can have a positive effect on people suffering from depression. Plus, it’s probably a lot easier to believe that coffee will assist than it is to find a reliable acid connection. What, I’m supposed to hang around college campuses, shooting dead people and capturing frisbees until someone with a tie dye comes up to me? No, thank you. It’s much easier to just go to a coffee shop.
