Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) & Microdosing Psilocybin

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity disorder is a neurodevelopment childhood disorder. Usually diagnosed in childhood and teenage years, ADHD makes its way into adulthood. It is a disorder categorized by

  • Difficulty in maintaining attention.
  • Hyperactivity and
  • Impulsive behaviour.

Boys are more likely to suffer from ADHD (12.9%) than girls ( 5.6%). According to the National Survey of Children’s Health, the total number of children diagnosed with ADHD in 2016 was 6 million. These statistics include

  • 388,000 children aged 2–5 years.
  • 2.4 million children aged 6–11 years.
  • 3.3 million children aged 12–17 years.

Source: Verywell Mind

Types of ADHD

Researchers say that there are three major types of ADHD, and they are:

  • Inattentive and distractible type: Individuals with this type of ADHD have difficulty focusing and finishing tasks. They may start a task with the intention of finishing it but get distracted easily.
  • Impulsive/hyperactive type: Individuals with this type of ADHD show impulsive and hyperactive behaviours. Behaviours can consist of fidgeting and interrupting conversations.
  • Combined type: Individuals with this type of ADHD show both hyperactive and inattentive symptoms.

Symptoms of ADHD

  • Self-focused behaviour: Individuals may lack the ability to empathize with other people. They may not understand the needs of other people.
  • Emotional turmoil: these individuals may find it hard to be emotionally intelligent. They might lash out on people at inappropriate times and without any reasons.
  • Unfinished tasks: Individuals may start various tasks but find it hard to finish them. They might begin new projects but move on to the next thing that captures their attention.
  • Lack of focus: Individuals with ADHD have difficulty paying attention. You may speak to them , and they will say they heard everything. As soon as you ask them to repeat, they find it hard to recall.
  • Trouble getting organized: Individuals may find it hard to get organized and set priorities. As a consequence, their work, relationships and school may take a hit.

Source: Psycom

What causes ADHD

Genetics

Researchers say that ADHD has a genetic basis. There is a significant chance that parents with ADHD are likely to have children with ADHD. Furthermore, research has shown that siblings are likely to have ADHD. Twin studies have shown that they have higher chances of having ADHD irrespective of the twins’ environment.

Brain function and structure

Brain studies have shown differences in brains with ADHD compared to the people without that condition. Some brain regions are smaller in people with ADHD, while other areas are bigger than a normal brain. More studies have shown that there is an imbalance in brain neurotransmitters which is responsible for ADHD.

Groups at risk

Specific groups are at more risk of developing ADHD, and they are:

  • People born prematurely, especially before the 37th week of pregnancy.
  • with epilepsy
  • Brain damage in the womb or after a severe head injury.

The Spectrum of ADHD and other psychopathologies

ADHD is a complex mental disorder that is mostly accompanied by other conditions. For instance, adults with ADHD are likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, personality disorders, substance use and bipolar disorder.

Adults with ADHD and comorbid depression report lower quality of life. Statistics show that the prevalence rates of ADHD with depression range from 18.6% to 53.3%. Statistics show that the prevalence rates of ADHD with anxiety disorders are almost 50%. When it comes to the relationship between ADHD and substance use disorder, the comorbid rates are substantial. Research says that people suffering from ADHD  with comorbid  SUD have:

  • Risks of suicide attempts.
  • More hospitalisations.
  • Lower rates of treatment adherence.
  • Less likelihood of achieving abstinence.

ADHD and Psilocybin

There is no conclusive evidence that psilocybin can treat ADHD as of now. However, it is a matter of time before researchers start to collect evidence proving the efficacy of psilocybin in treating ADHD. Psilocybin can make it easier to manage ADHD. You see, psilocybin can treat the conditions that occur in comorbidity with ADHD. The former statement is not only essential but necessary when it comes to treating ADHD. The comorbid conditions like depression, anxiety and SUD exacerbate the symptoms of ADHD. This is where psilocybin is a game-changer. There is enough evidence that suggests that psilocybin can cure the conditions mentioned above.

ADHD, depression and psilocybin

Depression is likely to accompany ADHD in adults. A study that took place in Imperial College London concluded that psilocybin significantly reduced depression. Researchers took 19 patients who had tried everything in their capacity to get rid of depression. They had tried psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy and what not. Yet, nothing they tried had worked to subside depression. Finally, they decided to be a part of this unique study. Patients took a single dose of psilocybin. After analysis, there was a significant change in brain chemistry that helped reduce the symptoms. Not only did psilocybin mitigate the symptoms, but it also helped increase positive emotions and quality of life. These results have tremendous implications since adults with ADHD with comorbid depression report lower life quality.

ADHD, anxiety and psilocybin

Adults with ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders have more intense anxiety symptoms. As a consequence, this exacerbates the already present ADHD. Psilocybin has incontrovertible evidence backing its efficacy in treating anxiety. 51% of cancer patients suffering from death anxiety were given a single dose of psilocybin. Researchers found that psilocybin decreased the anxiety in these patients. After a six month follow up with these patients, 80% of the patients sustained these changes. In fact, psilocybin completely changed their lives. They went from having a negative and hopeless attitude toward life to having more optimism. These results have significant implications since adults with ADHD, and comorbid anxiety report intensified emotional reactions to situations. 

ADHD, suds and psilocybin.

Substance Use Disorder is twice as common in adults with ADHD as compared to the general population. Experts say that adults with ADHD try to self medicate to regulate mood and sleep. But, the side effects of substance use amplify the problem instead of healing it. It becomes a destructive addiction that can impact the everyday lives of people. In a recent study, experts concluded that psilocybin has therapeutic effects in the treatment of SUD. They further say that due to the anti-addictive properties of psilocybin, it reduces negative emotional states and stress. Secondly, they say that psilocybin may increase cognitive flexibility and decrease impulsivity in individuals. 

ADHD focus and psilocybin.

One of the common symptoms of ADHD is the inability to focus on tasks. As a consequence, individuals find it hard to finish their work and essential projects. This may largely impact their employment, relationships and almost every aspect of their lives. In a recent survey by “The Conversation”, people who took microdoses of psilocybin had improved focus. Not only that, but psilocybin also increased their creativity. In addition to these benefits, psilocybin made these individuals more confident and productive. 

ADHD, Emotion Turmoil and Psilocybin

People with ADHD experience frequent negative emotions and with great intensity. So it becomes a burden for these individuals to manage emotions. Research also states that people with ADHD cannot regulate emotions. These individuals experience frustration, temper outbursts and major mood fluctuations.  Research has shown that psilocybin can reduce the remove negative emotions. Psilocybin reduces the activity in the amygdala and thus reduces the intensity of the negative emotions. Not only that, but psilocybin also increases positive emotions. 

In summary, it is a matter of time before micro-dosing with psilocybin goes mainstream in treating ADHD in adults. A recent online study in which 410 individuals above the age of 18 took part backed the efficacy of psilocybin. These individuals reported that micro-dosing with psilocybin alleviated the symptoms of ADHD. 

ADHD is a major mental disorder that can impact work, relationships and almost everything. If you are someone diagnosed with ADHD, then psilocybin is for you. We would like you to consult a trusted physician before you take any steps. If your physician gives you a thumbs up, Click here to order try Earthy.