Psychedelic Medicine

Association

Chronic, Intermittent Microdoses of the Psychedelic N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) Produce Positive Effects on Mood and Anxiety in Rodents

Excerpts from the publication

Drugs capable of ameliorating symptoms of depression and anxiety while also improving cognitive function and sociability are highly desirable. Anecdotal reports have suggested that serotonergic psychedelics administered in low doses on a chronic, intermittent schedule, so-called “microdosing”, might produce beneficial effects on mood, anxiety, cognition, and social interaction. Here, we test this hypothesis by subjecting male and female Sprague Dawley rats to behavioral testing following the chronic, intermittent administration of low doses of the psychedelic N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT). The behavioral and cellular effects of this dosing regimen were distinct from those induced following a single high dose of the drug. We found that chronic, intermittent, low doses of DMT produced an antidepressant-like phenotype and enhanced fear extinction learning without impacting working memory or social interaction. Additionally, male rats treated with DMT on this schedule gained a significant amount of body weight during the course of the study. Taken together, our results suggest that psychedelic microdosing may alleviate symptoms of mood and anxiety disorders, though the potential hazards of this practice warrant further investigation.

Read more

Strategies to Prolong Ketamine’s Efficacy in Adults with Treatment-Resistant Depression

Psychedelic-assisted treatment for substance use disorder: A narrative systematic review

Psilocybin therapy for females with anorexia nervosa: a phase 1, open-label feasibility study

Efficacy of Ketamine Therapy in the Treatment of Refractory Major Depressive Disorder

Psychedelic use and psychiatric risks

Psychedelic‐assisted therapy for treating anxiety, depression, and existential distress in people with life‐threatening diseases