Microdosing Research

Microdosing psilocybin mushrooms research vistaplus microdosing truffles questionnaire study microdoseren vista+ depression

Research & Neurobiology

What Science Is Revealing About Microdosing and the Brain

While the practice of microdosing is gaining popularity, scientific research into its physiological and neurological effects is still in early stages. However, emerging studies are beginning to shed light on how psychedelics like psilocybin interact with the brain—even at sub-perceptual levels.

One of the most influential researchers in this field, Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris of Imperial College London, has used fMRI imaging to observe how the brain responds to full psychedelic doses. His work shows that psilocybin reduces activity in the Default Mode Network (DMN)—a region of the brain associated with self-referential thinking, habitual mental patterns, and ego identity.

While microdosing doesn’t produce the same intensity of effects, it may still gently modulate DMN activity, creating space for:

  • A softened sense of self or inner critic
  • Greater openness to new perspectives
  • Enhanced cognitive flexibility and insight
  • Reduced rigid thinking or emotional reactivity


In short, microdosing may temporarily ease the brain’s default patterns—allowing for increased presence, creativity, and connection to one’s environment.

As scientific research evolves, our understanding of how psychedelics impact the brain continues to deepen—validating what many users have reported anecdotally for years.

MRI brain scan Dr. Carhart-Harris DMN psychedelic psilocybin microdosing research vista+

The Role of the Default Mode Network (DMN)

Softening the Ego, Opening New Possibilities

The Default Mode Network (DMN) is a key region of the brain associated with our sense of self (ego) and many of our habitual thought and behavior patterns—what you might call our internal “autopilot.”

When microdosing, blood flow to the DMN appears to be slightly reduced. This temporary downregulation can quiet the inner critic, ease self-judgment, and make space for a more compassionate, present-centered perspective. In this state, individuals often report feeling less rigid, more open, and more connected to themselves and others.

At the same time, this disruption to habitual brain activity may allow for a break in automatic thinking or behavioral loops—what’s sometimes called “tunnel vision.” Instead, microdosing may facilitate:

  • Fresh insights
  • New ways of problem-solving
  • Emotional flexibility
  • The ability to form healthier, more conscious patterns


This neurological shift likely explains why so many people describe microdosing as a catalyst for self-awareness, habit change, and creative breakthroughs—not through force, but through gentle cognitive openness.


Brainscan showing a normal and psilocybin influenced brain. Default mode network can be accessed with psilocybine microdose

The Power of Intention

Turning Insight into Lasting Change

Microdosing isn’t just about chemistry—it’s about conscious engagement. Setting a clear, meaningful intention before and during your microdosing period helps focus your attention, guide your inner process, and amplify the personal growth that can unfold.

As the ego softens and habitual patterns shift, intention acts as a compass—helping you stay grounded while gently exploring new perspectives and behaviors.

Throughout your microdosing cycle, we encourage regular reflection on your intention. This practice supports:

  • Greater self-awareness
  • Integration of emotional and cognitive insights
  • Alignment between your inner experience and outer actions


By the time your microdosing cycle ends, this intentional focus helps ensure that the insights you've gained don’t fade—they take root. With proper integration, the benefits of microdosing can continue to influence your mindset, habits, and relationships long after the final dose.

Intention turns experience into transformation. It’s how we carry the wisdom forward.

VistaPlus Results

VistaPlus participants experienced +7% more 'happiness' on average within a time frame of three months after starting our program. Concentration increases on an average of +13% after two weeks, and +15% after three months. Feelings of insecurity reduced with -15% after only two weeks of microdosing. Our participants felt +5% more in touch with their feelings after two weeks, +11% after a month and +16% after three months {2019}.

Note: Above stated results may be subject to change as more reliable, more widely representative data becomes available.

Microdosing Placebo Study

Beckley foundation Imperial College London Double blinding placebo study Balazs Szigeti Vistaplus microdosing research

Self Double Blinding Placebo Study

 
This innovative study led by Dr. Balázs Szigeti and Dr. David Erritzoe of Imperial College London, in partnership with Amanda Feilding of the Beckley Foundation, allows microdosers to implement placebo control during self-experimentation.

The central hypothesis of this study is that microdosing can increase psychological well-being and cognitive functioning in healthy subjects. In parallel, is being examined whether microdosing can induce any negative effects such as anxiety.

We are excited to have contributed to this groundbreaking research in collaboration with Balázs, by guiding subjects in the process of microdosing with psychedelics.

You can read more about Balasz's self-blinding placebo study here.

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Psilocybin Research Studies

Studies with Healthy Adults

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       James Fadiman ,Sophia Korb Published online: 29 Mar 2019

       doi.org/10.1080/02791072.2019.1593561











Studies on Depression

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       First Published August 27, 2020 Review Article https://doi.org/10.1177/2045125320950567


       doi.org/10.1177/0269881117748902

  













Studies on Addiction

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If the doors of perception were cleansed 
every thing would appear to man as it is, 
infinite.

- William Blake