One of the most common questions we get from our community is about how to use microdosing as a supportive protocol for ADHD and ADD.

We are a culture obsessed with instant gratification and time spent looking at various screens. Our brains are hardwired to mono task, yet the world around us is propelled by multi-tasking and having as many tabs open as possible at once – no wonder our ability to focus is at an all time low. 

In this article we are sharing information about ADHD, medications and the potential of microdosing as an alternative treatment for symptoms of ADHD and ADD

ADHD, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, has become one of the most well-known neurobehavioral disorders of our time. The onset and diagnosis often arrives in early childhood, and while some outgrow the symptoms, many individuals’ symptoms persist into adulthood. 

Symptoms can range from mild to severe. The main categories of symptoms measured for a diagnosis are inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness.

Inattentiveness symptoms can look like lack of attention to detail, distractibility, forgetfulness, inability to follow through with tasks, and lack of organization skills.

Hyperactivity/impulsiveness symptoms can look like a limited sense of danger, excessive talking, fidgeting, and interrupting others.

If an individual only has symptoms of inattentiveness, it can be ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), but most people have symptoms of both categories. Often ADHD can overlap with anxiety, mood disorders, autism, substance use disorder and other conditions as well.

ADHD is not one specific pattern, it is complex and unique to each individual, and currently there are more effective prescription medications to treat ADHD than any other psychiatric condition. 

 There has been a lot of research into the causes of ADHD, and it appears that both nature and nurture are factors. The research has shown genetic factors play a part, as demonstrated in this review here.

Dopamine and norepinephrine are the primary neuromodulators indicated in ADHD. As the ADHD brain’s network functions are hyperactive – all firing together – dopamine and norepinephrine play a role in increasing or decreasing the activity to the right balance of activation. As well, family, environmental and social factors such as unhealthy diet habits, prenatal smoking, childhood trauma, sleep disturbance, and low socioeconomic status can play significant parts in the risk of ADHD. 

Generally, medications that are prescribed for treatment are either stimulants or non-stimulants, such as Concerta, Vyvanse, Adderall, and Ritalin. These are designed to help individuals with ADHD focus, but also to foster neuroplasticity for the networks responsible for focus so that they strengthen and can function efficiently after cessation of the drug. There is such a large range of medications and dosage that can be prescribed for ADHD symptoms due to the fact that there are different levels of enzymes individuals make which metabolize these drugs both in the brain and body. Though these medications are effective for treating symptoms, there are some who do not experience any benefits, and others who stop using the medications because the side effects are too great.

As psychedelics have started to become more mainstream, more and more individuals have been turning to psilocybin as an alternative treatment. Particularly, microdosing psilocybin has been gaining momentum for its benefits of boosting mood, increasing focus, improving memory, and fostering neuroplasticity. Though there are no completed controlled clinical studies to date yet, there are studies that have looked at self-reported outcomes by individuals with ADHD using psilocybin as a form of treatment. In this study, the survey completed by participants demonstrated a significant decrease in ADHD symptoms and an increase in well-being after four weeks of microdosing psilocybin. More research needs to be done; however, the anecdotal reports are promising.

With these types of self-reports kept in mind, we were moved to create our View Master blend. We designed it with purpose to increase productivity and focus, improve mental clarity, and reduce cognitive distractions and stress. We incorporated Red Ginseng (an adaptogenic root) to enhance mental concentration and Gingko Bilboa (one of the oldest tree species in the world) to improve circulation, and both are proven to improve cognition. The medicinal mushroom Cordyceps can help increase the body’s production of the molecule adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and therefore creates more energy and endurance. Our Raw Peruvian Cacao is a superfood that improves blood flow and oxygen to the brain, which can help increase one’s attention span and improve mental focus. All of this in one capsule, it has quickly become a favourite for those in our community living with ADHD symptoms.

Our Boomerang capsule is another blend that could be a supportive tool to improve ADHD symptoms. Exercising increases the production of norepinephrine, which promotes a decrease in ADHD symptoms, and we have purposefully designed Boomerang to help elevate your movement practice and support your fitness goals. It has Red Ginseng, Maca (a vegetable) for boosting energy, concentration, and endurance, and Rhodiola (an adaptogen) that aids in reducing fatigue while increasing antioxidant activity in the body. Microdosing with Boomerang during your workouts could be just what is needed to get that extra boost of relief.

Finally, we wanted to share a useful resource created by Reddit users. They have created a printable microdosing tracker that has specific sections for ADHD functions. For anyone microdosing, we always recommend having a journal to keep track of your intentions and progress, so we hope that this can be a helpful tool for you on your journey.

We are here to support you. If you have questions or would like to discuss how our products can support you, please feel free to send us a message at [email protected] or reach out on Instagram @heyse.ro

All our love,

Team Sero