5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) used in a naturalistic group setting is associated with unintended improvements in depression and anxiety

Summary & key facts

Researchers surveyed people who took 5-MeO-DMT in a guided group setting. Most people who said they had been diagnosed with depression or anxiety reported their symptoms improved after the experience. The report is based on anonymous self-reports, so it cannot prove the drug caused the improvements. The authors say controlled studies are needed to test safety and whether 5-MeO-DMT can help with depression and anxiety.

Key facts:

• The study used an anonymous online survey of people who used 5-MeO-DMT in a group setting with structured dose and support procedures.
• About 40% of respondents said they had been diagnosed with depression, and about 50% said they had been diagnosed with anxiety.
• Of those with depression, about 80% said their depression improved after using 5-MeO-DMT, about 17% said it was unchanged, and about 3% said it got worse.
• Of those with anxiety, about 80% said their anxiety improved after the experience, about 19% said it was unchanged, and about 2% said it got worse.
• People who reported larger improvements tended to report stronger mystical-type experiences and rated the session as more spiritually significant or personally meaningful. A mystical-type experience means intense feelings like unity, awe, or a sense of deep meaning.
• There was no link between improvements and how intense the immediate challenging physical or psychological effects felt during the session.
• Because the results come from people’s memories and reports after the fact, the study cannot prove that 5-MeO-DMT caused the improvements. The authors recommend future controlled studies to check safety and effectiveness.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: A recent epidemiological study suggested that 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) used for spiritual and recreational reasons is associated with subjective improvement in depression and anxiety. Further exploration of the potential psychotherapeutic effects of 5-MeO-DMT could inform future clinical trials. OBJECTIVES: We examined self-reported improvement in depression and anxiety among people who use 5-MeO-DMT in a group setting with structured procedures guiding dose and administration of 5-MeO-DMT. Such procedures also include activities for the preparation of, and support during/following sessions, which are similar to procedures used in clinical trials of hallucinogen administration. Next, we examined whether depression or anxiety were improved following use, and whether the acute subjective effects (mystical/challenging) or beliefs about the 5-MeO-DMT experience were associated with improvements in these conditions. METHODS: = 47.7; Male = 55%; White/Caucasian = 84%) completed an anonymous web-based survey. RESULTS: Of those reporting having been diagnosed with depression (41%) or anxiety (48%), most reported these conditions were improved (depression = 80%; anxiety = 79%) following 5-MeO-DMT use, and fewer reported they were unchanged (depression = 17%; anxiety = 19%) or worsened (depression = 3%; anxiety = 2%). Improvement in depression/anxiety conditions were associated with greater intensity of mystical experiences and higher ratings of the spiritual significance and personal meaning of the 5-MeO-DMT experience. There were no associations between depression or anxiety improvement and the intensity of acute challenging physical/psychological effects during the 5-MeO-DMT experience. CONCLUSIONS: Future prospective controlled clinical pharmacology studies should examine the safety and efficacy of 5-MeO-DMT administration for relieving depression and anxiety.

Topics

Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis Paranormal Experiences and Beliefs Psychedelics and Drug Studies

Categories

Clinical Psychology Psychology Social Sciences

Tags

Anxiety Clinical psychology Depression (economics) Economics Macroeconomics Medicine Psychiatry Psychology

Substances

Other

Conditions & symptoms

Anxiety Depression Anxiety or worry Sadness or low mood