A group of researchers in Kingston, Ontario, have initiated a clinical investigation to examine the potential benefits of microdosing psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, for individuals dealing with generalized anxiety disorder. Conducted by a team from the Kingston Health Sciences Centre Research Institute, this study marks the first Phase 2 clinical trial authorized by Health Canada to evaluate the effects of small, daily doses of psilocybin.
Dr. Claudio Soares, a psychiatry professor at Queen’s University and the lead researcher, aims to determine if microdosing psilocybin can alleviate anxiety symptoms without inducing significant mind-altering effects. The interest in exploring the medical uses of psychedelics like psilocybin, ketamine, and LSD has surged in recent years, leading to various research initiatives nationwide.
Unlike previous studies that focused on high doses, known as “macrodoses,” which necessitate close medical supervision due to hallucinatory experiences, this trial involves administering small doses of psilocybin, approximately two to three milligrams daily, to up to 60 adults with severe anxiety over a four-week period at home. Subsequently, participants will be randomly assigned either continued psilocybin microdoses or a placebo for an additional four weeks to monitor anxiety symptoms and potential withdrawal effects.
The data collected from this study could pave the way for larger Phase 3 trials, the final step before any drug can be approved for market release. As the prevalence of generalized anxiety disorder has been on the rise, with traditional treatments like antidepressants and therapy sometimes proving ineffective, exploring the therapeutic potential of microdosing psilocybin offers a novel approach to address mental health challenges.
Dr. Tyler Kaster, a psychiatrist and medical head at Toronto’s Centre for Addictions and Mental Health, expressed interest in the experimental nature of microdosing studies, highlighting the promising prospects within the field of psychedelics. The ultimate goal of this research, including the broader efforts of the Centre for Psychedelics Health and Research in Kingston, is to destigmatize the use of psilocybin and other hallucinogens for medical purposes while emphasizing the importance of conducting controlled studies for safe and effective utilization.
By shedding light on the therapeutic potential of psychedelics and advocating for their systematic study, researchers like Dr. Soares aim to shift perceptions and harness the medicinal benefits of these substances, ultimately contributing to the advancement of mental health treatment options.
