Twenty percent better with 20 micrograms? A qualitative study of psychedelic microdosing self-rapports and discussions on YouTube

Abstract

BackgroundPsychedelic microdosing is the trending practice of using tiny repeated doses of psychedelic substances to facilitate a range of supposed benefits. With only a few published studies to date, the subject is still under-researched, and more knowledge is warranted. Social media and internet discussion forums have played a vital role in the growing visibility of the microdosing phenomenon, and the present study utilized YouTube contents to improve comprehension of the microdosing practice as well as the social interactions and discussions around microdosing.MethodsMicrodosing self-disclosure in YouTube videos and their following comments were qualitatively analyzed by inductive thematic analysis. Various software was utilized to enable gathering and sorting relevant data.ResultsMicrodosing of psychedelic substances, primarily LSD and psilocybin, was used for therapeutic and enhancement purposes, and predominantly beneficial effects were reported. Many different applications and outcomes were discussed, and therapeutic effects for depression appeared especially noteworthy. Intentions for use were recognized as an influencing factor for the progression and outcomes of microdosing. The function of social interactions was mainly to discuss views on the microdosing phenomenon, strategies for optimal results, minimize risks, and share emotional support.ConclusionsPotentially, microdosing could provide some of the same benefits (for certain conditions) as full-dose interventions with less risk of adverse reactions related to the sometimes intense experiences of higher doses. Microdosing may well also mean additional benefits, as well as risks, through the repeated exposure over extended periods.

Exploring the relationship between microdosing, personality and emotional insight: A prospective study

“…Microdosers might be able to complete their daily tasks with more focus, resulting in more reliable and organized behavior. The increase in conscientiousness is consistent with Andersson and Kjellgren's (2019) findings, where microdosers reported "less procrastination and a spontaneous impulse to clean the house, tidy drawers, pay bills, or address other postponed or neglected tasks" (Insights and transformation section, para.3). The present finding is also consistent with research on higher psilocybin doses by Erritzoe et al (2018), who observed a trend toward increased conscientiousness at a 3-month follow-up.…”

“…By contrast, only 37.5% of participants in the current study had microdosed 10 times or less, and all our participants reported at least some prior microdosing experience. As previously discussed, research by Andersson and Kjellgren (2019) suggests that microdosing may initially trigger negative emotions, which in turn provides opportunities to address personal issues. Polito and Stevenson's sample contained mainly participants who were microdosing naı €ve when entering the study or still in an early phase of their microdosing experience.…”

“…Although acute effects of microdosing have been found to be subtle in clinical trials (Bershad, Schepers, Bremmer, Lee, & Wit, 2019;Ramaekers et al, 2020;Yanakieva et al, 2018), proponents claim that regular microdosing can lead to a range of long-term benefits, such as improved mood, wellbeing, sociability, creativity and performance (Webb, Copes, & Hendricks, 2019). Andersson and Kjellgren's (2019) thematic analysis of 32 microdosing videos on the Youtube platform aimed to understand microdosers' experiences, expectations, approaches, and viewpoints. They found claims that microdosing led to a facilitation of self-reflection and personal insights.…”

“…9-10). Andersson and Kjellgren (2019) observed increased negative emotion among microdosers, proposing increased emotional awareness may initially trigger negative emotions, but also provide "more insights and possibilities to work through personal issues" (Unwanted effects and lack of results, para. 2).…”

MDLSD: study protocol for a randomised, double-masked, placebo-controlled trial of repeated microdoses of LSD in healthy volunteers

“…First popularised by the publication of an every 3-day dosing protocol in James Fadiman’s 2011 book The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide [ 14 ], microdosing has received attention in the mainstream press [ 15 ] as well as in online forums [ 16 ] and on YouTube [ 17 ]. The prevalence of microdosing practises in the general population is not known; however, an online recreational drug use survey found that 13% of respondents had microdosed at some point and that 4% were currently microdosing [ 18 ].…”