Over the past decade, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has received plenty of attention in the media and across society as a whole. Increased awareness and recognition of the disorder has led to a substantial rise in both assessment levels and the demand for treatment. So much so that healthcare and educational systems have struggled to cope. Long waiting lists have left many people vulnerable. And a significant proportion of patients who do receive treatment either drop out or fail to respond. Is there another way to help adults with ADHD? Forward-thinking scientists may have found the answer.
What is ADHD and how is it treated?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, which is characterised by persistent and excessive symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. It is often overlooked in adulthood, as it shares many similarities with symptoms caused by other conditions, including mood disorders, depression and anxiety. If left undiagnosed and untreated, ADHD can have a debilitating effect on daily life, negatively impacting work, relationships and mental well-being.
At present, treatment for ADHD generally comprises therapy and medication, which usually comes in the form of stimulants, such as amphetamine or methylphenidate. Non-stimulants are sometimes prescribed too, although response rates are less successful. While helpful for many, approximately one third of all patients do not respond to these types of medication. And with the World Health Organisation estimating that ADHD affects 5% of children and 2.5% of adults worldwide, that leaves a substantial group without a solution.
Aside from the issue of treatment resistance, extensive waiting lists for both assessment and medication mean that even more people are dealing with the effects of ADHD alone. A 2023 survey conducted by the Petitions Committee in the UK found that 25% of adults had to wait one to two years for an ADHD assessment. 10% were left waiting over two years. And this is no anomaly, such shocking statistics can be seen everywhere, from Europe to the US.
Where do psychedelics come in?
For centuries, psychedelic substances have been used within indigenous populations for a number of purposes. For spiritual enlightenment, to form connections, inspire creativity, as part of ceremonial rituals, and of course, for medicinal benefits. Scientists and healthcare professionals are slowly coming around to this way of thinking, and research into the potential of psychedelics to treat a range of conditions is beginning to alter opinions and offer new hope to failing healthcare systems.
Psilocybin is the psychoactive substance that gives certain mushrooms or truffles their ‘magic’. Alongside LSD, MDMA and a few other psychedelics, psilocybin is currently being tested in groundbreaking international studies to uncover its ability to revolutionise the medical world. For treatment-resistant depression. As part of therapy for alcohol abuse. And even for the treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
How can psilocybin help with ADHD?
Traditional ADHD medications work by enhancing certain chemicals or neurotransmitters in the brain, mainly dopamine and norepinephrine. This chemical boost helps to increase attention levels, regulate impulsive behaviour, reduce hyperactivity and manage executive dysfunction, improving the ability to control thoughts, emotions and actions. Psilocybin works in much the same way. Once it enters the body, this pro-drug converts into psilocin, which stimulates serotonin receptors, modulates transmitter systems and fuels the formation of new cerebral connections. As a result, focus and concentration is enhanced, mood is regulated more effectively and cognitive processes are known to become more flexible.
Up until this point, many studies have focused on the impact of full (macro) doses of psychedelics for the benefit of mental health. While the results have shown plenty of promise, testing this method against placebos is difficult, as a full dose initiates a powerful hallucinogenic high. That’s where microdosing could prove a valuable tool in changing the clinical picture of psychedelic medicine.
Cos'è microdosing?
As the name suggests, microdosing simply involves a very small amount of a psychedelic substance. This is usually around 1/10 of a normal dose. Research has shown that even these sub-perceptual amounts can impact the brain dramatically. Supporters of microdosing claim that the practice awards numerous daily benefits, from increased energy levels to better sleeping habits and a more positive outlook on life.
Adults with ADHD have been turning to microdosing to improve their well-being. Not only for those still waiting for assessment or medication, but also for patients who are resistant to conventional remedies or give up treatment due to negative side effects, which can include insomnia, headaches, increased heart rate and blood pressure, and a loss of appetite.
Does science agree that microdosing can help with ADHD?
The problem with testing the scientific validity of psychedelics often lies in the legality of such experiments, with most of the world still vilifying hallucinogenic substances. This is definitely starting to change though, as specific psychedelic research centres are popping up the world over, and forward-thinking governments, for example Australia and Canada, are considering the potential of this new type of treatment and adapting their laws accordingly.
Most evidence so far remains anecdotal. For example, a Dutch study in 2022 examined the effects of microdosing psilocybin on ADHD symptoms, well-being and time perception. Tested before microdosing, two weeks afterwards and then again after four weeks, individuals did indeed report a reduction in ADHD symptoms. While time perception did not appear to improve, well-being in participants increased after two weeks and remained elevated after four.
The team at Maastricht University in the Netherlands followed up their findings in 2024. A study into the effects of microdosing psilocybin on ADHD and comorbid disorders revealed significant symptom relief, in fact, participants deemed the microdosing more effective than conventional treatments. This led to a subsequent naturalistic study, which followed individuals across a 4-week microdosing period. Results indicated a reduction in ADHD symptoms over time, an improvement in trait mindfulness and a decrease in neuroticism.
While these results demonstrate plenty of promise, the researchers concluded that validation is still needed through clinical trials. With more support, more evidence and more understanding, microdosing psilocybin could potentially offer immense hope, not only to alleviate the burden on healthcare, but to the millions of adults urgently seeking safe, accessible and effective ADHD treatment.