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

M.V. Uthaug*, R Lancelotta, K. van Oorsouw, K.P.C. Kuypers, N. Mason, J Rak, A Šuláková, R Jurok, M Maryška, M Kuchař, T Páleníček, J. Riba, J.G. Ramaekers*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

BACKGROUND: 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (hereinafter referred to as 5-MeO-DMT) is a psychedelic substance found in the secretion from the parotoid glands of the Bufo alvarius toad. Inhalation of vapor from toad secretion containing 5-MeO-DMT has become popular in naturalistic settings as a treatment of mental health problems or as a means for spiritual exploration. However, knowledge of the effects of 5-MeO-DMT in humans is limited.

AIMS: The first objective of this study was to assess sub-acute and long-term effects of inhaling vapor from dried toad secretion containing 5-MeO-DMT on affect and cognition. The second objective was to assess whether any changes were associated with the psychedelic experience.

METHODS: Assessments at baseline, within 24 h and 4 weeks following intake, were made in 42 individuals who inhaled vapor from dried toad secretion at several European locations.

RESULTS: Relative to baseline, ratings of satisfaction with life and convergent thinking significantly increased right after intake and were maintained at follow-up 4 weeks later. Ratings of mindfulness also increased over time and reached statistical significance at 4 weeks. Ratings of depression, anxiety, and stress decreased after the session, and reached significance at 4 weeks. Participants that experienced high levels of ego dissolution or oceanic boundlessness during the session displayed higher ratings of satisfaction with life and lower ratings of depression and stress.

CONCLUSION: A single inhalation of vapor from dried toad secretion containing 5-MeO-DMT produces sub-acute and long-term changes in affect and cognition in volunteers. These results warrant exploratory research into therapeutic applications of 5-MeO-DMT.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2653–2666
Number of pages14
JournalPsychopharmacology
Volume236
Issue number9
Early online date13 Apr 2019
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2019

Keywords

  • 5-MeO-DMT
  • ANXIETY
  • AYAHUASCA
  • Affect
  • Altered states of consciousness
  • Bufo alvarius
  • Cognition
  • DEPRESSION
  • Field study
  • HALLUCINOGEN
  • PHARMACOLOGY
  • PSILOCYBIN
  • PSYCHEDELICS
  • Psychedelic
  • Satisfaction with life
  • THREATENING CANCER
  • VALIDATION

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