Baseline power of theta oscillations predicts mystical-type experiences induced by DMT
Enzo Tagliazucchi, Federico Zamberlán, Federico Cavanna, Laura De la Fuente, Celeste Romero, Yonatan Sanz Perl, Carla Pallavicini
bioRxiv Preprint Server March 11, 2021 preprint DOI: 10.1101/2021.03.11.434994 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Experimental study |
|---|---|
| Intervention | Inhaled DMT |
| Topics | DMT Mystical experience |
| Citations | 3 |
| Key findings | Frontal and temporal theta power inversely correlated with feelings of unity and transcendence during DMT-induced mystical-type experiences. |
Abstract
N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is a classic psychedelic capable of inducing short-lasting but profound changes in consciousness. As with other psychedelics, the experience induced by DMT strongly depends upon contextual factors, yet the neurobiological determinants of this variability remain unknown. We combined wireless electroencephalography and source imaging to map changes in neural oscillations elicited by inhaled DMT. Furthermore, we found that the power of frontal and temporal theta oscillations was inversely correlated with scales indexing feelings of unity and transcendence, which are an integral part of the phenomenology of mystical-type experiences. Finally, we established the robustness of these results using a machine learning model for regression trained and tested following a cross-validation procedure. Our results are consistent with the observation that the state of mind prior to consuming a psychedelic drug influences the ensuing subjective experience of the user. We also suggest that priming subjects to reduce their theta power before administration of a serotonergic psychedelic could enhance the likelihood of inducing mystical-type experiences, leading to sustained positive effects in well-being and improving the outcome of therapeutic interventions.
Comparable studies
Other experimental studies on DMT, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short term changes in the proteome of human cerebral organoids induced by 5-MeO-DMT. Human cerebral organoids | 2017 | Experimental study | |
| Prospective examination of synthetic 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine inhalation: effects on salivary IL-6, cortisol levels, affect, and non-judgment Volunteers | 2019 | Within-subjects experimental study | n = 11 |
| Metabolism and disposition of N,N‐dimethyltryptamine and harmala alkaloids after oral administration of ayahuasca Healthy male volunteers | 2012 | Observational pharmacokinetic study | n = 10 |
| Unmasking of a neonatal somatovesical reflex in adult cats by the serotonin autoreceptor agonist 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine. Adult cats | 1990 | Experimental study | n = 10 |
| Studies on the Mechanism of Action of Monoamine Oxidase: Metabolism of N,N-Dimethyltryptamine and N,N-Dimethyltryptamine-N-Oxide | 1962 | Experimental study |
Citations in the library
Cited by 3
- An Encounter With the Other: A Thematic and Content Analysis of DMT Experiences From a Naturalistic Field Study Frontiers in Psychology December 16, 2021
- Microevidence for microdosing with psilocybin mushrooms: a double-blind placebo-controlled study of subjective effects, behavior, creativity, perception, cognition, and brain activity bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory) December 7, 2021
- Natural Language as a Window into the Subjective Effects and Neurochemistry of Psychedelic Drugs Preprints.org November 10, 2021
Cites 41
- Psilocybin produces substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer: A randomized double-blind trial Journal of Psychopharmacology November 30, 2016
- Psilocybin can occasion mystical-type experiences having substantial and sustained personal meaning and spiritual significance Psychopharmacology July 7, 2006
- Psilocybin with psychological support for treatment-resistant depression: an open-label feasibility study. The Lancet Psychiatry May 17, 2016
- Effects of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy on Major Depressive Disorder JAMA Psychiatry November 4, 2020
- Pilot Study of Psilocybin Treatment for Anxiety in Patients With Advanced-Stage Cancer Archives of General Psychiatry September 7, 2010
and 36 more in the library