I microdosed psilocybin for my ADHD symptoms and this is what happened

For legal reasons let me assure you that my fluffy bunny had the experience and narrated the entire tale to me. Take it as you will. Wink wink.

Hey you. I hope you’re feeling great. If you aren’t then maybe what I have to say will help you. I say that because I have been on one heck of a journey over the last two and a half months and my mind has changed so much in that time. When I say my mind has changed, I don’t mean that I have been indecisive. I mean my mind has changed so much. And yours can too, more than you may think possible. 

I have been microdosing psilocybin, and of all the things I have tried in life, this has been the most profound life hack that I have ever experienced. A hack for problems that I have struggled with my whole life no matter what solutions, remedies or strategies I tried , and I’ve tried a lot.  Problems so persistent its felt like they came with a lifetime subscription that I couldn’t cancel. So engulfing they defined me, in the worst way possible. Persistent anxiety, bouts of low mood, exhausting and unpredictable mood swings, hyperactivity followed by debilitating fatigue in the same day, restless leg syndrome, night time snacking, constant migraines, rejection sensitive dysphoria(RSD), a tendency to over drink at parties, rumination, and typical ADHD executive dysfunction.  

This meme depicts common problems faced by people with ADHD. My ADHD gives me of these problems, and I also have a few other issues which we cant blame ADHD for. Credit: Instagram @finuccinialfredo

Imprisoned by my problems

Problems associated with ADHD have been my identity and prison for as long as I can remember. I have desperately wanted to break free and figure out who I really am when I am not under the spell or influence of them. I often wondered what it would be like to not be constantly anxious and over vigilant, to not feel like I must predict and swerve any situations that may trigger RSD, to not be plummeted into dark moods with no warning. And to be able to do normal things like keep my room tidy and see a task through to the end with ease… I often thought how lovely it would be to sit still without feeling compelled to shake my leg due to a combination of ADHD hyperactivity, stimming and Restless Leg Syndrome. Unconfirmed, but my husband may or may not have wondered how lovely and relaxing it would be if I could be still and watch a film with him, without shaking my leg and asking repeatedly what’s happening as I zone out for the millionth time. 

On May 3rd, 2023, a new horizon appeared in my life. I attended Dr. James Brown's fascinating talk (no, not the legendary singer) on ADHD and the world of psilocybin microdosing. Two months of  Google sessions, internet research and documentaries later, I finally took the plunge and began microdosing. 

Just Wow

I don’t even know what to say, WOW is a massive understatement. 

From the talk and my research, I expected some relief from my ADHD symptoms such as improved executive function, increased motivation and focus. I also expected improvement in areas of my life such as improved mood.

I was gifted this and so much more!! I say gifted, because what a humbling experience this has been. What a privilege for me to be able to have experienced this transformation.  

Much to my incredulity, every one of my problems listed above  started to wane or reduced significantly. Psilocybin has been used for centuries so it feels so ridiculous for me to say, but I feel like I have stumbled on a well-kept secret. A key to unlocking a door to an infinitely better, easier, happier and more loving life. 

So if you are curious, this is my story. Diving into the world of psilocybin microdosing has changed my life, and for me, it's as close to a magic bullet as you can get. But before we begin, a small disclaimer. While I'm eager to share, I also need to tread carefully given the legal landscape surrounding psilocybin in the UK. So, for the sake of this discussion, let's just say my fluffy bunny had the experience and narrated the entire tale to me. Take it as you will. Wink wink. 

@jeanie_gee_adhd#animalfriends #bunnytherapy

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The sciency bit 

Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain species of mushrooms, also known as ‘magic mushrooms’.  When ingested, it has profound effects on the human brain. 

Psilocybin's effects on the brain, especially concerning symptoms of ADHD and other mental health challenges, are a rapidly evolving field of research. Several mechanisms have been proposed for its therapeutic effects: 

I don’t want to lose my ADHD readers here, so please skip the if it bores you but come back and don’t go! Come back after the bullet points! 

• Interaction with Serotonin Receptors: Psilocin, the active metabolite of psilocybin, primarily binds to serotonin receptors, specifically the 5-HT2A receptor. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter crucial for mood regulation, cognition, and behavior. By influencing these receptors, psilocybin can alter mood and perception, potentially providing relief from symptoms like depression and anxiety. 

• Default Mode Network (DMN): A key discovery, highlighted by researchers like Professor Nutt, is the influence of psychedelics on the Default Mode Network (DMN). The DMN is a network of brain regions that's active when our minds are at rest and not focusing on the outside world, often linked to self-reflection, the concept of 'self', and rumination. Over-activity in the DMN has been linked with depression, anxiety, rumination, obsessive thinking, addictions, bad habits and certain patterns of thought seen in ADHD. Dr Brown explained in his talk that for those with ADHD, the DMN does not quieten when engaged in tasks as it does in those without ADHD. Psilocybin appears to 'reset' or 'quiet' the DMN. This can lead to a break in rigid thought patterns and potentially provide relief from the symptoms listed above. 

• Enhanced Neuroplasticity: Emerging research suggests that psychedelics like psilocybin might promote neuroplasticity, which is the brain's ability to form and reorganize synaptic connections. This could provide a window of enhanced cognitive flexibility, allowing individuals to break free from habitual patterns of thinking and behaving, which can be especially beneficial for tackling symptoms like compulsive behaviors and addiction. 

• Holistic Brain Connectivity: Apart from just the DMN, psilocybin appears to increase connectivity between different brain regions, promoting a more 'unified' or 'integrated' brain state. This could improve executive functions, a set of cognitive processes that are essential for controlling and regulating other abilities and behaviors, which is often compromised in ADHD. 

• Reduction in Negative Thought Loops: By dampening the DMN and altering brain connectivity, psilocybin might reduce the recurrence of negative and recursive thought loops, which are common in depression, anxiety, and ADHD. 

Warm welcome back to those who skimmed over the science part. No more, I promise. 

So the potential of experiencing these results first hand was unbelievable to me. Like Alice following the white rabbit, I was so curious but also scared.  

I was apprehensive about using psychedelics in a day-to-day, non-recreational context. Questions like, "What if I take too much and lose control? What if it triggers a mental breakdown or a distressing trip? What if I spiral into psychosis?" were at the back of my mind. I was reassured though by the consistent message that the amount taken is so small that you should not experience any perceptual differences other than an overall feeling of calm and well-being. 

I had so many questions, like would I lose my mind?

Despite its ancient use in various cultures for spiritual and therapeutic purposes, psilocybin is often viewed today through a lens clouded by misinformation and negative stereotypes. This has led to a significant stigma. I mean, it’s not exactly the norm to start one's day with a dose of magic mushrooms alongside morning coffee. Yet, here I am, kicking off each day with a capsule of ground magic mushrooms. I am so grateful for the positive transformations that I find myself silently thanking that little pill each morning. And of course I also thank the one I take at lunch time.

Unexpected effects of Microdosing 

So I was cautiously optimistic about seeing some positive changes and was mentally prepared for potential side effects. But what actually happened? I experienced all the benefits and more, with zero side effects, and I experienced improvements in areas I hadn't even identified as issues.  

Migraines 

Let's begin with the most unexpected benefit that I experienced, my migraines: two decades of crippling pain and symptoms that debilitated me every few days. I was reliant on Sumatriptan to treat them. Since starting microdosing? Nope!! Not a single one, even after with the usual triggers like stress or dehydration. This change occurred immediately from day one. This alone is enough to keep me on the microdosing journey. The sense of relief is beyond words. 

Migraines which have blighted my life for two decades have miraculously vanished out my life Not so much a twinge, even after exposure to the usual migraine triggers

Restless Leg Syndrome 

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder characterized by an irresistible urge to move your legs, often accompanied by uncomfortable sensations such as tingling, crawling, or itching. These symptoms typically worsen during periods of rest or inactivity, especially at night, often disrupting sleep. It as an especially delightful issue when you already have problems with physical hyperactivity as many of us with ADHD have. You can imagine what a dream I am to watch a film with! Ha ha! 

I have had terrible RLS for about 20 years. I find sitting still pretty much impossible, Meetings, films, theatre are big challenges for me and whoever is sitting next to me. When I try keep still, my legs twitch and move on their own accord. It is horrendous and can keep me up all night. The only thing that has helped me is to consume cannabis at night. (SAYS MY BUNNY)

I have noticed a gradual but significant improvement with my RLS. I am not cured and able to sleep without my medicinal cannabis, but there is a marked improvement. I don’t experience RLS during the day and only mildly at night. I am so grateful!! 

Anxiety & overwhelm 

I can’t believe this, but I am no longer continuously anxious about everything. I still feel anxiety, because I am not a robot, and possibly more than neurotypicals because I am still neurodivergent, but I don’t have a constant gnawing sense of anxiety in the pit of my stomach like I used to. Social settings and new scenarios are way less daunting. The neurodivergent mental rehearsing that I used to do before social interactions? That’s old behaviour. Honestly, typing this out and reflecting on the change, I'm filled with so much gratitude and I feel so free!! I feel like I can do anything! Don’t worry I don’t feel like I can fly, I’m not experiencing that level of confidence. But I feel like I could maybe do things I couldn’t do before like go to party where I only know one person or speak in a large meeting.

Before embarking on this transformative journey, I was living with constant feeling of anxiety and overwhelm

Steady Energy All Day Long and less Ragey 

You know that evening energy crash? Mine was next level. Mornings, I was like a Saturday cartoon host with a caffeine fix - bouncing off the walls. I had a weird energy though, happy but prone to ragey outbursts over silly things like being unable to find my phone or tripping over the bed. I’d become The Hulk, ragey and tearful when something went wrong or missing, followed immediately by regret and remorse and fawning over whomever I shouted at. Late afternoon, creeping into evening, my get-up-and-go got-up-and-left. I always felt like I needed to finish things by 6PM because by evening, I was finished. So my day was shortened to an explosive 12 hour window. I never realised that maybe this wasn't how things had to be. 

Fast forward to now. Mornings, I am much more chilled. Less frenzied energy and able to handle The Disappearing Phone and other annoyances without turning into The Hulk. The change hasn’t been immediate, especially regarding my emotional outbursts, it’s been a steady but gradual transformation. Evening crash? Doesn't happen, still got the energy. Finishing up work or catching up with friends after hours is doable. Don’t get me wrong, my party animal days are way behind me and I am almost always in bed by 10PM, but now the thought of evening activities doesn’t make me hide under the duvet. I wonder what the effect of microdosing would be for a person with chronic fatigue.

Far fewer Hulk style rages. Family and loved ones are very grateful

A Healthier Appetite 

Prior to microdosing, I had developed an unhealthy snacking habit, particularly at night. Fried carbs and chocolate, gimme!! Unfortunately, this caused me to gain 6Kgs. Oopsies.  

But in the last month things have changed for me. Not only has my appetite decreased, but what I want to eat has shifted. I'm leaning more towards proteins and I’m no longer beguiled by naughty carbs like chips and other fried delights. I’m vegan so when I say protein for me that looks like nuts, tofu, legumes and other vegan proteins. I'm also enjoying fruits more. Big portions of chips or heaps of bread? Just not feeling them anymore. And those random cravings for junk food? Almost gone. The result? I've naturally lost almost all the weight I put on. And here's another shocker: with my energy levels up, I've found I actually like getting active, which was definitely not the case before! 

Expected Effects of Microdosing 

I have been experiencing a gradual but steady improvement in my ADHD symptoms.  After just over two months I feel my executive function has improved. I feel less overwhelmed, my motivation and focus is improving. My room is tidier. My outbursts are reducing, but I still get a little bit mad at inanimate objects when they trip me up! But that’s normal right? Haha! My relationships have improved, I feel calmer. Not as calm as a Buddhist monk, but hey maybe in time I will get there!  

I don’t have as many conflicts, when I do I feel more empathetic and diplomatic. Instead of being engulfed by my own feelings, I feel I am able to shift the focus more easily and understand where the other person is coming from and it is much easier to think of a resolution. This doesn’t always happen in the moment, sometimes I’ll be in the middle of a response, and a calm feeling will come over me and I will have the thought ‘Is there a better way to handle this?’ And I see it clear as day. Is this because me emotions feel calmer and better able to think, is because Ye ol’ DMN is dialed down? Or placebo? I don’t know but everything feels so much easier than before. I feel like I am in the cockpit, I am in control whereas before my ADHD was the captain. 

My confidence is gradually improving everyday and my unwanted guest, RSD is finally getting the memo and leaving

Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD)

A momentous benefit for me was the relief I am starting to feel from RSD. I could write an article on how amazing it is to released from its claws. I half expected this, but I didn’t really expect to be released from the hellish prison that is RSD. It has blighted my entire life and I cannot express the profound relief. If you don’t know what RSD is, I’m way over my word count to explain here so please follow this link.  

I think I will always be sensitive to every single thing you can be sensitive to because of my ADHD. But I have had some negative encounters recently that would have caused me to spiral with RSD. I organize large neurodivergent social groups and so of course difficult scenarios arise and are inevitable but I have historically really struggled with them so much that at one point I even considered leaving the group. Anyway, after each these recent events I waited for the usual avalanche of anxiety, low mood and rumination to punch me in the gut like it always does. I waited and I waited but all I felt was empathy towards the other person and a strong sense of ‘MOVE ON’. That’s the only way I can think of it. And I was able to, with ease. I feel sad about what happened but I feel able to reflect on the situations with nothing more than a twinge of wistfulness and sympathy for the other person. Nothing engulfing or that I couldn’t cope with. Is this what normal people feel like?? Its great!! It means I don’t have to live my life swerving rejection. If I get rejected it’ll be sad but MAYBE nothing I can’t handle. OMG!  

Dosage 

I currently take two stuffed Size 0 capsules of ground ‘magic mushrooms’. (SAYS MY BUNNY). The weight of the powder is 0.13g. I take one in the morning on an empty stomach and one in the afternoon after lunch. You should take time to work up to this dose. I started off with a third of this then gradually increased.

This is what a stuffed capsule would look like if it was filled with powdered magic mushrooms

You should not feel any perceptual changes, this dose is way under the threshold for tripping. Colours should not appear brighter, there should be no disturbances whatsoever. If you do experience this you may have taken too much. Eat or drink something sweet and sit quietly somewhere with relaxing music. I recommend brain.fm for anytime you feel stressed or overwhelmed. With this tiny amount you should return to normal with 30-60 min if you accidentally take too much.

What you should feel is: calm, a strong sense of well being, energized and like you have increased mental clarity. 

You will not notice any changes in your perception at microdose level, all you should feel is a sense of energized well being

Interactions 

As psilocybin works with your serotonin system I would avoid if you take any medications that that also does this. For example, if you take SSRI’s (most antidepressants) then you should probably avoid. I was taking mucuna perensies (a natural l-dopa) to alleviate my low levels of dopamine. I don’t take it anymore as I worried about possible interactions and so far it seems my mushrooms capsules are handling things just fine without it. I do take low doses of HRT for peri-menopausal symptoms and I haven’t experienced any interactions.

Final Thoughts

In wrapping up this journey through the trans-formative effects of microdosing psilocybin, I find myself nearly overwhelmed by the plethora of benefits I've encountered. The substantial relief I've gained from chronic ADHD symptoms alone could easily fill its own series of articles. Add to that the miraculous relief from debilitating migraines and other issues, and the extent of this compound's potential becomes stunningly clear. I plan to delve deeper into specific areas in future articles, particularly how microdosing has improved my Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) and personal relationships. 

However, it's essential to note the limitations inherent in self-reporting experiences like this. My story, inspiring as it may be, is anecdotal and not a substitute for rigorously controlled scientific studies. My experience might not be the same as yours.  

And while I encourage readers to share their questions and thoughts in the comment section below, I must reiterate that I can't provide information on sourcing psilocybin. Also, please remember the disclaimer that all this information is courtesy of my "fluffy bunny". Wink, wink. 

It's so unfortunate that psilocybin remains illegal in most countries, when you consider its potential therapeutic benefits. The illegality serves as a significant barrier to more widespread research and understanding, something that needs to change for the sake of public health and scientific progress. 

Finally, a heartfelt thank you to all the researchers who have boldly shared their findings on this topic. Your work is not only fascinating but also pivotal in re-framing how we think about mental health and well-being and psilocybin as a tool not a drug.

Special gratitude to Professor David Nutt for his groundbreaking research that has paved the way for others, and to Dr. James Brown, whose talk was the catalyst for my own life-altering experiences. 

Feel free to drop your questions or thoughts in the comments below. While I won't be able to discuss sourcing, I'm more than happy to engage in an insightful dialogue. Thank you for joining me on this eye-opening journey.