In recent years, prejudices around psychedelics have started to thaw, with more and more research demonstrating their potential to treat mental health disorders. In fact, these once demonized drugs are enjoying something of a revival, and not only within medical circles. Microdosing, which involves the regular practice of taking a very small dosage of psychedelic drugs, is more popular now than ever before. Supporters declare numerous benefits, from a boost in energy to enhanced focus to better sleep. And one area where microdosing appears to shine is creativity. We explore how psychedelics influence the creative process and examine the scientific evidence that verifies such claims.
History of Hallucinogenic Creativity
The link between hallucinogenic drugs and creativity needs no introduction. A trip down memory lane to the swinging sixties reveals the dramatic impact psychedelics had on a variety of fields at that time, spanning literature, art and music. Literary icons, including Ken Kesey and Aldous Huxley, and global superstars, such as Jimi Hendrix and the Beatles, openly celebrated the ability of LSD, mushrooms and similar substances to tap into hidden recesses of the brain and uncover new-found worlds of artistic expression.
Aside from the arts, those in other industries have felt the creative power of psychedelics too. Nobel prize winners Francis Crick and Kary Mullis both acknowledged the role LSD played in opening up their thinking processes, contributing to breakthrough scientific moments that changed the course of history. Similarly, Steve Jobs described his LSD encounters as transformative, referring to his experiences as some of the most important events of his life.
It is clear to see that full-on highs impact the creative mindset significantly. But can the same be said for microdosing?
How do Psychedelics Work?
Once ingested, psychedelics stimulate serotonin receptors inside the pre-frontal cortex due to their structural similarity. This releases neurotransmitters in the brain, which promote growth and fuel new cerebral connections. One of the most frequently prescribed anti-depressants are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which increase serotonin levels within the brain by blocking reabsorption into the nerve cells. Unfortunately, SSRIs don't work for everyone, they generally take a long time to have an impact and sometimes cause unpleasant side effects. Studies have shown that just one or two doses of psilocybin can provide a valuable alternative, producing long-lasting effects in the treatment of depression.
Increasing neurotransmitters within the brain not only impacts mental health. It also gives rise to the formation of new cerebral connections, which can stimulate creativity and the ability to solve problems. Until recently, evidence to suggest psychedelics have any bearing on creative thinking remained largely anecdotal. But with shifting attitudes, scientists are starting to explore the possibilities.
Research on the Rise
In 2018, a team led by Leiden University in the Netherlands performed a breakthrough study into the effects of microdosing psychedelics on creativity in an open-label natural setting. The research took place at an event organised by the Dutch Psychedelic Society. Participants were tested on convergent thinking (using the Picture Concept Task), divergent thinking (using the Alternative Uses Task) and fluid intelligence (using a shortened version of the Ravens Progressive Matrices). Each subject was tested before and after a microdose of psychedelic or 'magic' truffles.
The results clearly showed a significant improvement in both convergent and divergent thinking after the microdose, with fluid intelligence unaffected. As the first study of its kind to quantitively support the theory that microdosing enhances cognitive performance, the researchers called for further investigation to follow-up their findings. While more exploration is needed, the team did speculate that the reason for the performance boost may well be the drug's ability to optimise the balance between flexibility and cognitive persistence.
London's prestigious Imperial College is currently conducting an investigation of its own into the effects of microdosing LSD on cognitive functioning, as well as psychological well-being. This research takes things a step further by examining the placebo effect through a self-blinding methodology. As participants will not know if they are taking the actual drug or a placebo, this will help establish the true pharmacological effects of microdosing.
While the scientific focus of psychedelics remains the possibility of treating mental health disorders, examining other factors, such as creativity, offers even more insight into the full effects of microdosing and its exciting potential to open up the mind.