Review of studies on the use of microdosing with hallucinogens that combine psychotherapeutic techniques with administrations of LSD, MDMA or Psilocybin, as pharmacological complements in chronic psychopathologies, moderate, high, severe or chronic disorders, as well as in life-threatening diseases

Abstract

Microdosing (or microdoses) refers to ingesting a very low dose of a psychedelic substance, where there are no effects of cognitive, affective, perceptual and neurophysiological alterations. Institutions such as MAPS, Johns Hopkins University, Imperial College of London, and the FDA have recently designated such microdosing as a "breakthrough therapy" as it is a very promising alternative approach to mental health treatment. The purpose of this paper is to present a review of studies (double-blind, longitudinal, open, randomized and controlled trials [mostly with placebo]) on the use of microdosing with hallucinogens that combine psychotherapeutic techniques with administrations of LSD, MDMA or psilocybin, as pharmacological supplements in chronic psychopathologies, moderate, high, severe or chronic disorders, as well as in life-threatening diseases. Through, first, exposing the mechanisms of action of hallucinogens; second, explain the methodology for including relevant research in a period of fifteen years (2006-2021); third, show clinical trials; fourth and last, share a discussion about possible reported adverse effects.