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Neural correlates of the DMT experience assessed with multivariate EEG.

Christopher Timmermann, Leor Roseman, Michael Schartner, Raphaël Millière, Luke T. J. Williams, David Erritzøe, Suresh Muthukumaraswamy, Michael Ashton, Adam Bendrioua, Okdeep Kaur, Samuel Turton, Matthew M. Nour, Camilla Day, Robert Leech, David Nutt, Robin Carhart-Harris

Scientific Reports November 19, 2019 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-51974-4 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Observational cohort Peer reviewed
Sample size 13
Population 6 female, 7 male human participants
Intervention N-Dimethyltryptamine
Topics Altered states of consciousness DMT
Keywords Brain activity EEG Studies
Citations 325
Key findings DMT reduced alpha and beta oscillatory power and increased signal diversity, with delta and theta activity correlating with the peak of the subjective visual experience.

Abstract

Studying transitions in and out of the altered state of consciousness caused by intravenous (IV) N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT - a fast-acting tryptamine psychedelic) offers a safe and powerful means of advancing knowledge on the neurobiology of conscious states. Here we sought to investigate the effects of IV DMT on the power spectrum and signal diversity of human brain activity (6 female, 7 male) recorded via multivariate EEG, and plot relationships between subjective experience, brain activity and drug plasma concentrations across time. Compared with placebo, DMT markedly reduced oscillatory power in the alpha and beta bands and robustly increased spontaneous signal diversity. Time-referenced and neurophenomenological analyses revealed close relationships between changes in various aspects of subjective experience and changes in brain activity. Importantly, the emergence of oscillatory activity within the delta and theta frequency bands was found to correlate with the peak of the experience - particularly its eyes-closed visual component. These findings highlight marked changes in oscillatory activity and signal diversity with DMT that parallel broad and specific components of the subjective experience, thus advancing our understanding of the neurobiological underpinnings of immersive states of consciousness.

In the evidence

This study is part of the evidence base for 2 syntheses in the library. Here is how each one recorded it.

  • State of the evidence: Altered states of consciousness Supports

    DMT reduced alpha and beta oscillatory power and increased signal diversity, with delta and theta activity correlating with the peak of the subjective visual experience.

    Synthesized

  • State of the evidence: DMT Supports

    Compared with placebo, IV DMT markedly reduced alpha and beta oscillatory power and increased signal diversity, with delta and theta activity correlating with the peak of the subjective visual experience.

    Synthesized

Comparable studies

Other observational and cohort studies on DMT, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
A single inhalation of vapor from dried toad secretion containing 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) in a naturalistic setting is related to sustained enhancement of satisfaction with life, mindfulness-related capacities, and a decrement of psychopathological symptoms. Volunteers who inhaled vapor from dried toad secretion at several European locations 2019 Observational cohort n = 42
Metabolism and urinary disposition of N,N‐dimethyltryptamine after oral and smoked administration: a comparative study DMT users 2014 Observational cohort n = 6
Intensity of Mystical Experiences Occasioned by 5-MeO-DMT and Comparison With a Prior Psilocybin Study Individuals at a psychospiritual retreat in Mexico 2018 Observational cohort n = 20
Neural and subjective effects of inhaled N,N-dimethyltryptamine in natural settings. Healthy and experienced participants 2021 Observational field study n = 35
A Phase 1, Dose-Ranging Study to Assess Safety and Psychoactive Effects of a Vaporized 5-Methoxy-N, N-Dimethyltryptamine Formulation (GH001) in Healthy Volunteers. Healthy volunteers 2021 Prospective dose-finding study n = 22

Citations in the library

Cited by 238

and 233 more in the library

Cites 32

and 27 more in the library

Related reading

Explore topics

Altered states of consciousness DMT 5-MeO-DMT Mystical experience Philosophy of mind