ADHD affects approximately 360 million adults worldwide and is treated with medications that fail in 30 percent of patients. At the end of 2021, MindMed announced the start of a phase 2 clinical trial in which LSD will be administered to individuals with ADHD.
ADHD is one Mental disorder in which people display agitated, often impulsive and hyperactive behaviors that make it difficult for them to concentrate. It can also cause mood disorders and anxiety. Although the actual causes are still unknown, patients show dysfunctional production of certain neurotransmitters such as noradrenaline and dopamine. Studies suggest that interactions between an individual's genetics and their environment may play a role in the development of the condition.
Stimulant drugs
The disorder is often recognized in childhood, but can also be first diagnosed in adults. Treatment is often a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy and stimulants such as Adderall and Ritalin. These drugs target norepinephrine and dopamine. Non-stimulants such as Strattera and Kapvay are also prescribed.
The stimulants set in much more quickly than the non-stimulants, but neither lasts longer than 24 hours, so must be taken once (stimulants) or twice a day (non-stimulants). Quite a medical effort for the patients, considering the cost and considering that they are ineffective or have adverse effects in 30 percent of patients.
LSD in ADHD
The Phase 2a clinical trial initiated by MindMed is in collaboration with the University Hospital Basel and Maastricht University and aims to investigate the effect of low doses of LSD on ADHD patients. There is little research available on this subject, but it stems from the knowledge that many conditions that co-occur with ADHD can be treated with psychedelics.
In addition, some studies suggest that microdosing psychedelics produces cognitive benefits, such as improved concentration and focus. Something that many ADHD patients struggle with. Therefore, it is believed that these substances can be used as safer and more effective alternatives to stimulants, which can sometimes lead to addiction. The evidence for this theory is still quite limited.
Source: microdose.buzz (EN)
