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J Psychopharmacol August 2024 PMID 38877715

Is microdosing a placebo? A rapid review of low-dose LSD and psilocybin research.

Vince Polito, Paul Liknaitzky

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Mentions

32
Peak: 26 in Jun 2024
across 3 sources since Jun 2024

Extended reach

283,739
potential audience

Total likes

436

Video views

6,590

Mentions per month

Jun 2024 – Sep 2025

Where it's discussed

  • X / Twitter27 posts
  • Blogs3 articles
  • YouTube2 videos

AI synopsis

What people are saying

Many discussions explore the question of whether microdosing effects are due to placebo, with posts referencing the article's review of controlled studies, and highlighting phrases like 'further research is warranted' and 'methodological issues.' The tone varies from cautiously optimistic to skeptical, with some posts emphasizing the need for more definitive evidence, reflecting analytical engagement rather than superficial reactions.

AgreementModerate agreement

Many discussions acknowledge the nuances in the research, with some expressing cautious support for further investigation, indicating general agreement that the topic merits more study.

InterestHigh interest

The social discussions show strong curiosity, with several posts referencing the methodological debates and potential implications, highlighting active engagement with the article's subject.

EngagementModerate engagement

Posts frequently mention specific points such as the importance of controlled studies and methodological challenges, demonstrating a moderate to deep interest in understanding the nuances rather than dismissing the topic.

ImpactModerate impact

While there is recognition of the significance of the research, discussions mainly revolve around scientific curiosity and methodological considerations rather than asserting immediate practical impacts or revolutionary insights.

Abstract in brief

  • Recent research suggests that the effects of microdosing psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin may not be solely due to placebo or expectations, as studies show actual changes in brain function, mood, and cognition compared to placebo.
  • The review highlights several methodological issues, such as small sample sizes and limited dosing ranges, which make it difficult to definitively say whether microdosing works beyond placebo effects.
  • Overall, current evidence indicates that it's premature to conclude microdosing effects are mainly placebo, but further well-designed research is needed to clarify its true effects.
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Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Neuroskeptic
@Neuro_Skeptic · X

Is microdosing a placebo? https://t.co/OhVdFYrlQ9 "The doses investigated may have been too small"

Jun 15, 2024 · 79 likes · 13 shares · 232,810 followers View post →
Dr Paul Liknaitzky
@PLiknaitzky · X

Jun 20, 2024 · 19 likes · 5 shares · 3,029 followers View post →
Vince Polito
@vincepsy · X

Is microdosing a placebo? @PLiknaitzky and I dive into this tricky question in a new paper just out. We look at all controlled studies and argue that there is not convincing data indicating placebo is the best explanation. https://t.co/5dbfHp50yQ

Jun 20, 2024 · 11 likes · 2 shares · 1,224 followers View post →
Bertoglio lab (FMC/UFSC)
@bertogliolab · X

Is microdosing a placebo? A rapid review of low-dose LSD and psilocybin research https://t.co/n4NoaoMsXo

Jun 17, 2024 · 3 likes · 1,715 followers View post →
P
@psychopharmacol · X

Review: In light of consistent reports of benefits from self-report studies with the use of LSD or psilocybin microdosing, and lack of clear evidence on the role placebo in controlled studies to date, further research is warranted https://t.co/OHm5nl1EMt

Aug 16, 2024 · 3 likes · 575 followers View post →
lilKay
@kuffmode · X

RT @Neuro_Skeptic: Is microdosing a placebo? https://t.co/OhVdFYrlQ9 "The doses investigated may have been too small"

Jun 15, 2024 · 13 shares · 8,034 followers View post →

All mentions

P
@psychopharmacol · X

Review: In light of consistent reports of benefits from self-report studies with the use of LSD or psilocybin microdosing, and lack of clear evidence on the role placebo in controlled studies to date, further research is warranted https://t.co/OHm5nl1EMt

Aug 16, 2024 · 3 likes · 575 followers View post →
Jakub Schimmelpfennig
@psychedmt · X

RT @PLiknaitzky:

Jun 22, 2024 · 5 shares · 375 followers View post →
Dr Paul Liknaitzky
@PLiknaitzky · X

RT @PLiknaitzky:

Jun 21, 2024 · 5 shares · 3,029 followers View post →
abe • (He/Him)
@upwho_ · X

RT @PLiknaitzky:

Jun 21, 2024 · 5 shares · 467 followers View post →
A.P.S.A.D
@APSADConf · X

RT @PLiknaitzky:

Jun 21, 2024 · 5 shares · 2,339 followers View post →
PSYCHSCIENCES@MQ
@PsyMQ · X

RT @vincepsy: Is microdosing a placebo? @PLiknaitzky and I dive into this tricky question in a new paper just out. We look at all controll…

Jun 21, 2024 · 2 shares · 1,157 followers View post →
Dali Geagea ܕܰܠܝ
@DaliGeagea · X

RT @vincepsy: Is microdosing a placebo? @PLiknaitzky and I dive into this tricky question in a new paper just out. We look at all controll…

Jun 20, 2024 · 2 shares · 924 followers View post →
Bong Preah Chan
@Bong_PreahChan · X

RT @PLiknaitzky:

Jun 20, 2024 · 5 shares · 959 followers View post →
Dr Paul Liknaitzky
@PLiknaitzky · X

Jun 20, 2024 · 19 likes · 5 shares · 3,029 followers View post →
Vince Polito
@vincepsy · X

Is microdosing a placebo? @PLiknaitzky and I dive into this tricky question in a new paper just out. We look at all controlled studies and argue that there is not convincing data indicating placebo is the best explanation. https://t.co/5dbfHp50yQ

Jun 20, 2024 · 11 likes · 2 shares · 1,224 followers View post →
Rosaura Brisuela @roswitta.bsky.social
@Roswitamind · X

RT @Neuro_Skeptic: Is microdosing a placebo? https://t.co/OhVdFYrlQ9 "The doses investigated may have been too small"

Jun 18, 2024 · 13 shares · 1,281 followers View post →
Mind Your Science!
@MindYourSci · X

RT @Neuro_Skeptic: Is microdosing a placebo? https://t.co/OhVdFYrlQ9 "The doses investigated may have been too small"

Jun 17, 2024 · 13 shares · 133 followers View post →
Bertoglio lab (FMC/UFSC)
@bertogliolab · X

Is microdosing a placebo? A rapid review of low-dose LSD and psilocybin research https://t.co/n4NoaoMsXo

Jun 17, 2024 · 3 likes · 1,715 followers View post →
//TODO: fix later
@enjoyingthewind · X

RT @Neuro_Skeptic: Is microdosing a placebo? https://t.co/OhVdFYrlQ9 "The doses investigated may have been too small"

Jun 17, 2024 · 13 shares · 720 followers View post →
Awaken The “I AM” | r/microdosing | Mush Love
@LiveInMushLove · X

RT @theradelics: Is microdosing a placebo? A rapid review of low-dose LSD and psilocybin research https://t.co/m9KsTk5LS6 https://t.co/PT6D…

Jun 16, 2024 · 1 share · 728 followers View post →
Simple
@SimonSimplicio · X

RT @Neuro_Skeptic: Is microdosing a placebo? https://t.co/OhVdFYrlQ9 "The doses investigated may have been too small"

Jun 16, 2024 · 13 shares · 1,415 followers View post →
William Todd Schultz
@WTSchultz · X

RT @Neuro_Skeptic: Is microdosing a placebo? https://t.co/OhVdFYrlQ9 "The doses investigated may have been too small"

Jun 16, 2024 · 13 shares · 1,200 followers View post →
abe • (He/Him)
@upwho_ · X

RT @Neuro_Skeptic: Is microdosing a placebo? https://t.co/OhVdFYrlQ9 "The doses investigated may have been too small"

Jun 16, 2024 · 13 shares · 467 followers View post →
THERADELICS
@theradelics · X

Is microdosing a placebo? A rapid review of low-dose LSD and psilocybin research https://t.co/PCfOFQvsDY https://t.co/dCoXCHio5V

Jun 16, 2024 · 3,386 followers View post →
THERADELICS
@theradelics · X

Is microdosing a placebo? A rapid review of low-dose LSD and psilocybin research https://t.co/m9KsTk5LS6 https://t.co/PT6DvHfkVZ

Jun 16, 2024 · 1 share · 3,386 followers View post →
Daniel ‎דניאל
@ElPsyCongrooV · X

RT @Neuro_Skeptic: Is microdosing a placebo? https://t.co/OhVdFYrlQ9 "The doses investigated may have been too small"

Jun 15, 2024 · 13 shares · 49 followers View post →
gronk
@gronkk · X

RT @Neuro_Skeptic: Is microdosing a placebo? https://t.co/OhVdFYrlQ9 "The doses investigated may have been too small"

Jun 15, 2024 · 13 shares · 462 followers View post →
lilKay
@kuffmode · X

RT @Neuro_Skeptic: Is microdosing a placebo? https://t.co/OhVdFYrlQ9 "The doses investigated may have been too small"

Jun 15, 2024 · 13 shares · 8,034 followers View post →
Kindly #deprescribe -- taper psychiatric drugs
@Altostrata · X

RT @Neuro_Skeptic: Is microdosing a placebo? https://t.co/OhVdFYrlQ9 "The doses investigated may have been too small"

Jun 15, 2024 · 13 shares · 6,493 followers View post →
Alfredo
@alfremath · X

RT @Neuro_Skeptic: Is microdosing a placebo? https://t.co/OhVdFYrlQ9 "The doses investigated may have been too small"

Jun 15, 2024 · 13 shares · 328 followers View post →
HuskyLoverPt2
@HuskyLoverPart2 · X

RT @Neuro_Skeptic: Is microdosing a placebo? https://t.co/OhVdFYrlQ9 "The doses investigated may have been too small"

Jun 15, 2024 · 13 shares · 51 followers View post →
Neuroskeptic
@Neuro_Skeptic · X

Is microdosing a placebo? https://t.co/OhVdFYrlQ9 "The doses investigated may have been too small"

Jun 15, 2024 · 79 likes · 13 shares · 232,810 followers View post →