Exploring Mushrooms for ADHD: Potential Benefits and Emerging Research 

Overview: ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention and hyperactivity. Standard treatments include FDA-approved stimulant medications and non-pharmacological approaches, though concerns about side effects and long-term effectiveness persist. Researchers are now exploring alternative treatments, such as microdosing psilocybin mushrooms, which has shown promising results for reducing ADHD symptoms and improving well-being, as highlighted by a 2022 study. However, further research is needed to address limitations like placebo effects and incomplete data on dosing. Additionally, non-psychedelic medicinal mushrooms like Lion’s Mane are being investigated for their cognitive and mental health benefits. Lion’s Mane stimulates nerve growth factor (NGF) and may help alleviate ADHD-related stress, anxiety, and depression. Although these findings are promising, more research is needed to confirm their efficacy in ADHD management.

‍

Mushrooms for ADHD: What is ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition that primarily affects a person’s ability to focus, control impulses, and manage hyperactive behavior. Symptoms can vary widely but often include difficulty concentrating, impulsivity, restlessness, and struggles with self-regulation. For many, ADHD also brings secondary challenges such as anxiety, chronic stress, and difficulties in relationships and employment. 

‍

There are three subtypes of ADHD, categorized by a predominance of symptoms related to inattention, hyperactivity, or a combination of both. These challenges can lead to social and psychological difficulties in various settings, from home to school and work environments.

‍

ADHD is one of the most frequently diagnosed neurodevelopmental disorders in children, with approximately 7.6% of children aged 3 to 12 diagnosed. During adolescence, the prevalence drops slightly to 5.6%, reflecting some developmental changes. However, the condition often persists into adulthood, affecting around 2.5% of adults, though symptoms may shift or become less pronounced with age.

‍

Factors contributing to ADHD’s development include genetic predispositions, neurological differences, and environmental influences such as prenatal exposure to tobacco or maternal health conditions during pregnancy. Boys are more commonly diagnosed than girls, who may display symptoms differently—boys often externalize behaviors (e.g., hyperactivity), while girls may internalize them (e.g., inattentiveness or low self-esteem).

‍

ADHD Treatments

The most common treatments for ADHD are pharmacological, with 12 drugs approved by the FDA. The majority of these are central nervous system stimulants, such as methylphenidate hydrochloride, lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, amphetamine sulfate, and mixed amphetamine salts. If first-line stimulant medications are not effective, second-line treatments, such as antidepressants, may be prescribed, though these are not specifically approved for ADHD.

‍

While these medications can be effective for many individuals, they also come with risks. Common side effects include decreased appetite, anxiety, nausea, and headaches. For children, concerns like tolerance, weight loss, and insomnia are particularly relevant. There is growing caution when prescribing stimulants to certain populations, such as preschool-aged children, adolescents at high risk for substance abuse, and children with tics or psychosis, due to the potential risks.

‍

Non-Pharmacological Treatments

In addition to medications, non-pharmacological approaches can also be effective in managing ADHD symptoms. These methods typically fall into three categories: psychological methods, complementary and alternative medicine, and devices:

‍

• Psychological methods: Behavioral parent training and mindfulness-based attention training are two commonly used approaches. Psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), has shown promise in helping manage ADHD symptoms, although more research is needed to establish the long-term efficacy of these treatments.

• Complementary and alternative medicine: Techniques such as biofeedback, dietary adjustments, and herbal supplements have also been explored. While some patients report improvements, scientific evidence on their effectiveness remains limited.‍‍

• ‍Devices: One example of a non-pharmacological treatment for ADHD is the Monarch external Trigeminal Nerve Stimulation (eTNS) device, an FDA-approved, non-invasive option for children aged 7 to 12 who are not taking medication. This device delivers mild electrical pulses to the trigeminal nerve, which influences brain regions responsible for attention and behavior regulation. It offers an alternative for individuals seeking non-drug-based treatments for ADHD.

‍

Rising Prevalence of ADHD and Emerging Treatment Options

The prevalence of ADHD diagnoses has risen in recent years, sparking discussions about whether the condition is being overdiagnosed and stimulant medications overprescribed. Many argue that increased awareness among medical professionals and the public has contributed to the rise in diagnoses. However, this growth has also prompted a search for alternative treatment options, particularly for individuals concerned about the long-term use of stimulant medications.

‍

One area generating interest is the potential use of mushrooms for ADHD treatment, particularly those containing psilocybin, the active compound in so-called “magic mushrooms.” Psilocybin has already demonstrated potential in treating mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, addiction, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), especially when combined with supportive therapy. Now, researchers are investigating whether psilocybin’s ability to alter brain function and promote mental flexibility could help manage ADHD symptoms.

‍

Psilocybin, the active substance in magic mushrooms, has shown success in treating mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, addiction, and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) when combined with supportive therapy. Now, researchers are investigating whether psilocybin could also be effective in treating ADHD. These natural alternatives are being studied for their potential to manage ADHD symptoms and provide new treatment options.

‍

Additionally, some patients and researchers are exploring the benefits of non-psychoactive medicinal mushrooms, such as lion’s mane, for ADHD. Lion’s mane is believed to support cognitive function and brain health, which makes it a promising area of investigation for ADHD treatment. Though early studies are still in progress, these natural alternatives offer exciting potential for those seeking more holistic treatment options.

‍

The Use of Mushrooms to Treat ADHD

The use of classical psychedelics, such as LSD and psilocybin mushrooms, in small, controlled doses—commonly referred to as microdosing—has emerged as a potential alternative treatment for ADHD. Microdosing has been associated with improvements in concentration, productivity, and mood, and some individuals are exploring it as an alternative to conventional ADHD medications.

‍

Two popular microdosing protocols, the Stamets Stack and the Fadiman Protocol, offer different approaches to incorporating psychedelics for cognitive enhancement and overall well-being.

‍

In 2019, an online questionnaire study explored why people choose to microdose, revealing that self-treatment of ADHD was one of the most common motives. Participants reported that microdosing had been more effective for managing their ADHD symptoms compared to standard pharmacological treatments.

‍

‍

Investigating Microdosing for ADHD

Building on this, a naturalistic study published in 2022 investigated the effectiveness of microdosing for ADHD symptom management. This study followed adults who independently decided to microdose, tracking their symptoms over time.

‍

The majority of participants (78%) used psilocybin-containing mushrooms, while others used substances like LSD (9.5%), newer synthetic psychedelics related to LSD (e.g., 1P-LSD, ALD-52) (12%), and ayahuasca (one participant). Researchers assessed their symptoms at baseline, two weeks, and four weeks after starting microdosing.

‍

To measure changes in ADHD symptoms, the study used the Conner’s Adult ADHD Rating Scale (CAARS-S), a standard tool for evaluating core symptoms like inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. By calculating T-scores, which compare individual results to a normative sample, the researchers were able to objectively track symptom changes over time.

‍

Key Findings:

• Symptom Reduction: Symptom Reduction: At both two and four weeks, participants’ ADHD symptoms, as measured by their CAARS-S

• Impact of Conventional Medication: Participants who combined microdosing with conventional ADHD medication had higher ADHD symptom scores at two weeks compared to those who only microdosed. This suggests that microdosing alone may be more effective for some individuals than when used alongside traditional medications.

• Overall Improvement: All respondents experienced a reduction in ADHD symptoms, although those who used conventional medications alongside microdosing showed a smaller reduction in their scores.

• Non-Responders: At the four-week point, around 19% (9 out of 47 respondents) of participants showed no improvement or an increase in ADHD symptoms, with some of these non-responders also using conventional medication. 

‍

These findings suggest that microdosing psilocybin mushrooms may be a promising alternative for managing ADHD symptoms. However, further research is needed to explore how microdosing interacts with conventional ADHD medications and to determine the most effective treatment strategies.

‍

Microdosing Mushrooms Improved Wellbeing in ADHD 

In addition to evaluating ADHD symptom changes, the study also assessed overall well-being using the World Health Organisation-Five Well-Being Index (WHO-5), a widely recognized tool for measuring general well-being.

‍

Key Findings:

• Improved Well-Being: Participants reported significantly higher well-being scores two weeks after starting microdosing, with continued improvement observed at the four-week mark. This suggests a notable enhancement in overall well-being throughout the course of the study.

• Correlation with ADHD Symptoms: There was a moderate negative correlation between ADHD symptom reduction and improvements in well-being at both two-week and four-week intervals. This indicates that as participants experienced fewer ADHD symptoms, their overall well-being increased, highlighting the potential for microdosing to positively impact both ADHD management and quality of life.

‍

These findings suggest that microdosing psilocybin mushrooms may not only help reduce ADHD symptoms but also improve overall well-being, making it a holistic approach to managing the condition. The link between symptom reduction and enhanced well-being underscores the broader potential benefits of this treatment approach.

‍

Study Limitations and Future Directions for Research on ADHD

The findings of this study align with earlier research on the potential of microdosing psilocybin mushrooms to manage ADHD symptoms. However, it’s essential to acknowledge certain limitations.

‍

Participants who chose to self-treat their ADHD with microdosing likely had pre-existing positive expectations about its benefits, which could have contributed to a placebo effect. Furthermore, the study did not capture detailed information regarding the substances and doses used, including factors like formulation, storage, and administration methods—all of which could influence effects and outcomes.  

‍

Despite these gaps, the study highlights an important issue: over half of the participants diagnosed with ADHD had previously used conventional ADHD medications but discontinued them due to physical and psychological side effects. This underscores the growing need for more research to thoroughly assess the therapeutic value of microdosing psilocybin mushrooms as an alternative treatment option for ADHD.

‍

Additionally, the authors recommend that future research should explore other cognitive domains commonly affected in ADHD, such as working memory, attention, and executive functioning, to gain a more comprehensive understanding of how microdosing may impact adults with ADHD.

‍

Lion’s Mane Mushroom for ADHD

While psychedelic mushrooms are being explored for their potential in treating ADHD, non-psychedelic medicinal mushrooms are also gaining attention for their benefits to brain health and cognition. Among these, Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is one of the most commonly studied, along with Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) and Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum).

‍

Lion’s Mane has been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine. Known for its distinctive white, spiky appearance that resembles a lion’s mane, this mushroom grows on dead hardwood trees in late summer and fall. Although traditionally not used specifically for ADHD, Lion’s Mane is now being researched for its cognitive benefits that could be relevant for ADHD treatment.

‍

One of the primary reasons for this growing interest is Lion’s Mane’s ability to stimulate the production of nerve growth factor (NGF), a protein essential for the growth, maintenance, and survival of nerve cells. NGF plays a crucial role in preventing nerve cell death, promoting the growth of synapses between neurons, and enhancing memory. This could make Lion’s Mane particularly valuable for people with ADHD, who often experience difficulties with attention, memory, and executive functioning.

‍

These cognitive-enhancing effects are largely attributed to terpenoids—specifically erinacines and hericenones—which are found in both the fruiting body and the mycelium of the mushroom. These compounds are thought to help support brain health by promoting neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to form and reorganize connections.

‍

Notably, Lion’s Mane is a key component in Paul Stamets’ microdosing stack, which combines psilocybin mushrooms, Lion’s Mane, and Niacin (vitamin B3) to promote cognitive function and overall brain health.

‍

Potential Benefits of Lion’s Mane for ADHD

• Cognitive Health: Lion’s Mane has been shown to stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF), which is critical for the growth, maintenance, and survival of neurons. This may offer significant benefits for those managing ADHD, as NGF can support cognitive functions such as memory and attention—areas often impacted by ADHD. 

• Mental Health: Several studies have documented Lion’s Mane’s positive effects on anxiety and depression, conditions that often co-occur with ADHD. Long-term use of extracts from both the mushroom’s fruiting body and mycelium has been associated with improvements in mood, suggesting that Lion’s Mane could be a helpful addition to conventional ADHD treatments by addressing these overlapping mental health challenges.

• ‍Inflammation: Lion’s Mane is also noted for its anti-inflammatory properties. Some studies have linked ADHD with increased inflammation, and Lion’s Mane’s ability to reduce tissue inflammation could potentially provide relief for individuals managing ADHD.

‍

Clinical Evidence of Lion’s Mane for ADHD

One noteworthy study, conducted in 2009, investigated the effects of Lion’s Mane on cognitive function in Japanese men and women aged 50 to 80 who had mild cognitive impairment. The participants took four 250 mg tablets containing 96% Lion’s Mane dry powder, three times a day, for 16 weeks. Results showed that cognitive function improved over the course of the study but significantly declined four weeks after discontinuing the supplement. Importantly, no adverse effects were reported.

‍

While this study did not focus specifically on ADHD, it suggests that Lion’s Mane may be effective in promoting cognitive health and may hold promise for those seeking alternative treatments for ADHD. More research is needed to explore the specific benefits of Lion’s Mane for ADHD, but its potential role in supporting neural health and reducing inflammation makes it an exciting area of investigation.

‍

Other Medicinal Mushrooms for ADHD 

While Lion’s Mane is the most commonly discussed medicinal mushroom for cognitive health, other mushrooms such as Chaga and Reishi are also being explored for their potential benefits in managing ADHD symptoms:

‍

• Chaga (Inonotus obliquus): Rich in antioxidants, Chaga may help reduce oxidative stress and brain inflammation, both of which have been linked to cognitive dysfunction and mental health conditions, including ADHD. Oxidative stress occurs when there’s an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body, which can contribute to brain inflammation. By lowering inflammation, Chaga could support brain function and overall mental clarity, potentially offering relief for individuals with ADHD. However, more direct research is needed to fully understand its benefits in this context.

• Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum): Known for its adaptogenic properties, Reishi has been traditionally used to improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety, which can be particularly helpful for those with ADHD. Sleep disruptions are common among individuals with ADHD and can exacerbate symptoms like inattention and impulsivity. Reishi’s calming effects may help promote better sleep, reduce stress, and improve overall emotional regulation, indirectly supporting ADHD management. Additionally, Reishi is thought to balance the immune system and support resilience to stress, further benefiting cognitive health.

‍

Conclusion

As research into the potential therapeutic applications of mushrooms for ADHD continues to grow, both psychedelic and non-psychedelic varieties offer exciting possibilities.

‍

Microdosing psilocybin has shown promise in reducing ADHD symptoms and improving overall well-being, though more robust clinical trials are needed to confirm its effectiveness and understand its interactions with traditional medications.

‍

Meanwhile, non-psychedelic mushrooms like Lion’s Mane present a compelling alternative for cognitive enhancement and mental health support, with emerging evidence suggesting benefits for ADHD management.

‍

While these natural options offer hope for more holistic ADHD treatments, further studies are essential to solidify their role alongside or in place of conventional therapies.