Acute subjective and EEG effects of extended DMT administration

Abstract

DMT and other psychedelics are valuable tools in the study of consciousness and have recently regained scientific interest for their potential therapeutic effects for various mental health disorders. DMT induces striking alterations in human consciousness; however, its effects are short-lived. Here, we explored continuous IV infusion of DMT as a novel method of administration, to extend the peak effects of the otherwise transient experience into a steady state. 

In two single-blind, fixed-order, placebo-controlled studies, 28 healthy volunteers received up to four doses of continuous IV DMT over 30 minutes. EEG activity, DMT plasma concentrations, and autonomic responses were recorded following administration of DMT. Subjective effects were measured acutely via experience sampling and retrospectively via VAS scales, questionnaires, and micro-phenomenological interviews.

Continuous IV DMT offers a novel method for prolonged immersion in the DMT state, facilitating research into its phenomenology, brain effects, and potential therapeutic applications. The findings highlight the potential of combining extended DMT administration with a range of complementary methods to facilitate an informative analysis of this unique state of consciousness.

Biography

Lisa has a background in Psychology and has recently obtained her PhD at the Centre for Psychedelic Research at Imperial College London. During her PhD, she conducted a study investigating the subjective and EEG effects of continuous infusions of DMT in healthy volunteers. Currently, she works as an Assistant Psychologist on a Phase III clinical study of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy for severe alcohol use disorder.