Psychedelics are enjoying widespread interest among scientists seeking solutions to various emotional and developmental disorders. Substances such as mescaline, LSD, and DMT are seen as potential remedies for depression, PTSD, and many other ailments. However, many see the greatest potential in psilocybin – an alkaloid found in various mushrooms, primarily from the Psilocybe group. Currently, the possibility of using this compound to alleviate ADHD is being discussed. Let’s take a closer look at this issue.
What is ADHD?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is – usually incorrectly – associated with active children. However, ADHD is also associated with, among other things, an inability to focus on a task and impulsivity. Contrary to popular belief, people don’t “grow out of it,” but at most, their personality changes slightly as people struggling with this condition learn to function in society, which often comes at the cost of suffering.
There are three types of ADHD. These include: type:
- with predominance of attention deficit disorder (so-called ADD; more often attributed to women),
- with predominance of hyperactivity and impulsivity (“classic” ADHD),
- mixed.
The causes of the disorder may be genetic or environmental. If one parent had ADHD, the child also has a high probability of inheriting it. Furthermore, other factors have been identified that may contribute to its development. These include:
- low birth weight,
- maternal drug use during pregnancy,
- perinatal stress,
- environmental pollution,
- damage central nervous system,
- an early-developing pattern of feeling empty (lack) in life (so-called emotional deprivation).
Statistics indicate that as many as 1 in 20 people are diagnosed with this syndrome, although it is indicated that these numbers may be significantly underestimated. In adults, ADHD can manifest itself through, for example:
- excessive impulsivity,
- difficulty focusing and maintaining attention,
- trouble with organization and time management,
- procrastination,
- attention deficit hyperactivity disorder,
- mood swings,
- forgetfulness.
People struggling with this disorder often develop other types of mental health problems. It has been pointed out, among other things, that ADHD is closely correlated with addictions and, among other things, with:
- depression and other mood disorders (BD),
- sleep disorders,
- anxiety,
- tics,
- dyslexia, dysgraphia, and Dyscalculia.
What medications are used to treat ADHD?
Living with ADHD often means undergoing therapy, but that’s not all. Symptomatic pharmacological treatment is also used for this purpose. These include psychostimulants such as methylphenidate, an amphetamine derivative. The very fact that it is a symptomatic treatment, especially with such a drug, often triggers certain symptoms in people with this disorder.
For these and many other reasons, ADHD sufferers are seeking alternative treatment options. The increasingly well-known properties of mushroom-derived alkaloids offer hope that they can be used not only to alleviate symptoms, but also to achieve lasting changes in brain structure to the benefit of the person with the disorder.
What is microdosing?
It has been suggested that microdosing may be helpful in such cases. Psilocybin produces slightly different reactions depending on the concentration. Microdosing involves taking minimal amounts of psychoactive substances, which are intended to not induce a trip but still have an impact on the user’s body.
What is the dose of psilocybin in microdosing? Much depends on individual predispositions, but it’s usually between 1/10 and 1/20 of the dose that causes a psychoactive effect. This is estimated to be approximately 10 µg of psilocybin or 0.1 g of dried psilocybin mushroom fruiting bodies.
Potential benefits of psilocybin microdosing for people with ADHD
People with ADHD have reduced levels of dopamine in the prefrontal cortex of the brain. This is important because this hormone, in its structure, helps us maintain focus, stay motivated, and have enough energy.
Because psilocybin affects 5-HT2A serotonin receptors, which interact with the dopaminergic system, it potentially helps release dopamine in this area of the brain, which reduces ADHD symptoms. Additionally, this compound stimulates neuroplasticity, helping to build habits by creating new structures. Additionally, microdosing can have a calming effect (and therefore reduce impulsivity), and improve concentration and creativity in people with ADHD.
Potential risks of psilocybin microdosing for people with ADHD
Although medication-free ADHD treatment with psilocybin sounds quite promising, it’s worth keeping in mind that research is still ongoing, and some experts warn about potential negative effects.
Dangers include potentially overdosing. Doses larger than microscopic can overstimulate the nervous system and produce psychedelic effects. Caution is also advised for people with anxiety disorders.
Ultimately, it’s important to remember the legal status of psilocybin. Microdosing in Poland, regardless of whether it involves mushrooms, LSD, or anything else, is prohibited, as these substances are included on the list of prohibited substances, considered hard drugs. However, in 2023, the National Science Centre allocated 2 million PLN for research on psilocybin (conducted by Prof. Krystyna Gołembiowska’s team). Interest in it – as a medicine – is constantly growing.
Psilocybin and ADHD – New Hope?
Adults struggling with this disorder often carry a baggage of difficult experiences resulting from, among other things, problems with concentration and increased psychomotor performance. Furthermore, since they are often not even diagnosed, let alone treated, their problems can worsen. However, awareness of ADHD is growing, as is awareness of alternative treatment methods. For this reason, it is worth following publications on topics such as psilocybin in the fight against this condition, especially since the results of numerous studies are increasingly promising.