Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is getting a lot of attention right now. A few of the reasons contributing to this increased awareness are:
- The increased availability of information becoming accessible to the general public via the internet
- A movement of neurodiversity recognition and acceptance that is acting to reclaim this title and other neurodiversities. This de-stigmatization and normalization of neurodiversity is acting to help explain the ways in which different minds work to navigate the ever complex and challenging world we live in.
- A shift in thinking in regards to gender and neurodiversity. Historically ADHD has been more commonly diagnosed in young boys. There is increasing recognition of the unique ways in which ADHD may manifest in individuals assigned female at birth resulting in a large uptick in women being diagnosed later in life.
What is ADHD?
The biomedical understanding of ADHD, according to the DSM-5, suggests it is a group of symptoms, including inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity that interferes with functioning and “normal” development. The DSM-5 acknowledges that there is a lot of unknowns when it comes to the causes of ADHD, but suggests there are genetic and environmental factors that alter the way neurotransmitters, specifically dopamine and norepinephrine, function in the brain to regulate attention, impulse control and executive function.
In "Scattered Minds," Gabor Maté presents a unique perspective on ADHD. Maté suggests that pathways in the brain responsible for emotional self-regulation and attention control fail to develop properly during infancy in individuals with ADHD. While he recognizes there may be some genetic factors at play, his understanding suggests that adverse childhood experiences, attachment wounds and early life encounters play a bigger role in the development of ADHD.
The treatment of ADHD. Could psychedelics play a role?
In the west, ADHD is commonly treated with stimulant medications. Many of these stimulants act on neurotransmitter pathways such as dopamine and norepinephrine which, among other things, are connected with our bodies reward and pleasure centers, motivation and drive, attention and focus, and mood regulation. Unfortunately, stimulants, like many psychopharmaceutic drugs, come with side effects, including insomnia, headaches, low appetite, weight loss, increased heart rate, and blood pressure. This leads to the question: could psychedelics provide an alternative treatment for people with ADHD?
There have been relatively few studies on the effects of psychedelics on ADHD symptoms, but some interesting research and anecdotal evidence points to the possibility that microdosing, the practice of taking small, non-impairing doses on a semi-regular basis, of LSD or Psilocybin can reduce some of the symptoms of ADHD, and increase overall wellbeing.
In several studies on the effects of microdosing LSD or Psilocybin and experiences of ADHD, participants reported an increase in time management, ability to focus and sustain attention on tasks, emotional regulation, cognitive flexibility and a decreased anxiety. Astonishingly, after several weeks of microdosing, several participants no longer met the diagnostic criteria for ADHD at all.
Research has also shown that macro doses of psychedelics, such as psilocybin, have the ability to increase neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to re-organize itself, create new connections and grow, for up to 3 months after taking the substance. This window of neuroplasticity, when accompanied by intentions and therapeutic support, may offer opportunities to re-imagine the way we engage with, and understand the world. Furthermore, the expanded state of consciousness, clarity and access to our inner healing intelligence that comes from engaging safely with psychedelic medicines may offer the opportunity to address attachment wounds and ways of being that were solidified in early life. if we understand ADHD through the model that Gabor Maté proposes, this could have a potential to heal parts of ourselves that contribute to inattention, emotion dysregulation and impulsivity. By integrating the insights gained from psychedelic experiences, we might uncover deep-seated patterns and subconscious processes that underlie these symptoms. This exploration could lead to profound healing, fostering greater self-awareness and offering new strategies for managing ADHD symptoms from a place of understanding and self-compassion.
A few notes on safety:
If you have ADHD, and/or are taking stimulant medicines, and are planning on engaging with psychedelics, either therapeutically, recreationally or in the form of microdosing, consider these cautions noted by the Spirit Pharmacist:
- Psychedelics are often described as ego diminishing medicines, while stimulants are ego stimulating. Another way of saying this is that psychedelics dissolve cognitive thinking to unlock emotional content, while stimulants enhance cognitive processes and focus. The counteracting psychological effects of these drugs may render psychedelics less useful, but the extent of this is largely unknown.
- Stimulants may intensify the effects of psychedelics, namely LSD.
- There is an increased risk of cardiovascular events or seizures with MDMA or phenethylamine psychedelics (psychedelics that have stimulant properties) when taken with other stimulants.
- At least 72 hours of stimulant fasting before interacting with psychedelics can limit drug interactions and reduce risk. For certain psychedelics like Ayahuasca, stimulants should be re-introduced at a lower dose and avoided for at least 48 hours after sitting with the medicine.
In conclusion, more research is needed to fully understand the ways in which psychedelic medicines and psychedelic therapies could aid in the support of people with ADHD. The studies noted above are promising, but far from conclusive. It is important to note that the risks associated with psychedelics and drug interactions are greatly reduced with consultation and support by professionals such as The Spirit Pharmacist and a trained, experienced and compassionate psychedelic integration therapist to walk with you along your journey!
References:
Calder, A. E., & Hasler, G. (2023). Towards an understanding of psychedelic-induced neuroplasticity. Neuropsychopharmacology (New York, N.Y.), 48(1), 104–112. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41386-022-01389-z
DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition): American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Author.
Haijen, E. C. H. M., Hurks, P. P. M., & Kuypers, K. P. C. (2021). Microdosing with psychedelics to self-medicate for ADHD symptoms in adults: A prospective naturalistic study. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 35(9), 925-934.
Haijen, E. C. H. M., Hurks, P. P. M., & Kuypers, K. P. C. (2024). Effects of psychedelic microdosing versus conventional ADHD medication use on emotion regulation, empathy, and ADHD symptoms in adults with severe ADHD symptoms: A naturalistic prospective comparison study. European Psychiatry, 67(1), e18.
Maté, G. (1999). Scattered minds: A new look at the origins and healing of attention deficit disorder. Knopf Canada.
Blog post written by Kendra Shaw, MSW Student