This exploratory observational study (n=14) examines the phenomenological and neuronal effects of 5-MeO-DMT through micro-phenomenological interviews, psychometric questionnaires, and EEG recordings in naturalistic ceremonial settings. The findings reveal that 5-MeO-DMT induces variable experiences of visual imagery, bodily and narrative self-disruption, and reduced phenomenal distinctions, with EEG showing alpha and beta power reductions suggesting inhibited top-down processing.
Abstract of Exploring 5-MeO-DMT as a pharmacological model for deconstructed consciousness
“5-MeO-DMT is a short-acting psychedelic that is anecdotally reported to induce a radical disruption of the self and a paradoxical quality of aroused, waking awareness that is nevertheless devoid of any specific perceptual contents. Here, we conducted an exploratory observational study of the phenomenological and neuronal effects of this compound. We collected micro-phenomenological interviews, psychometric questionnaires, and electroencephalography (EEG) in naturalistic ceremonial settings where 5-MeO-DMT was ingested. Results revealed that the 5-MeO-DMT experience followed a dynamic progression that—only in the most extreme cases—manifested as a complete absence of self-experience and other phenomenal content with preserved awareness. Furthermore, visual imagery, bodily self-disruption, narrative self-disruption, and reduced phenomenal distinctions occurred in a variable fashion. EEG analyses revealed the 5-MeO-DMT experience was characterised by (global) alpha and (posterior) beta power reductions, implying a mode of brain functioning where top-down models are inhibited. Our preliminary phenomenological findings confirm the potential utility of 5-MeO-DMT as a pharmacological model for deconstructed consciousness while noting the limitations of employing retrospective questionnaires for this purpose. Considering the exploratory nature of this study and its limitations inherent to its naturalistic nature, further research employing real-time experience sampling and phenomenologically trained participants in controlled environments could expand our findings to meaningfully inform the potential of this tool for the scientific study of consciousness.“
Authors: Christopher Timmermann, James W. Sanders, David Reydellet, Tommaso Barba, Lisa X. Luan, Óscar Soto Angona, Genís Ona, Giancarlo Allocca, Carl H Smith, Zachary G. Daily, Natasha L. Mason, Lilian Kloft-Heller, Martin Kuchar, Lucie Janeckova, Tomas Palenicek, David Erritzoe, Johannes G. Ramaekers, Robin L. Carhart-Harris & Malin Vedøy Uthaug
Summary of Exploring 5-MeO-DMT as a pharmacological model for deconstructed consciousness
The introduction of this study outlines how psychedelics, especially 5-MeO-DMT, offer a unique opportunity to investigate the nature of consciousness. Unlike many other classic psychedelics, 5-MeO-DMT appears to rapidly and profoundly disrupt the sense of self while producing fewer visual effects. This may be attributed to its action at both serotonin-2A and serotonin-1A receptors, making it particularly potent in altering self-referential processes. The authors suggest that 5-MeO-DMT’s ability to induce states that resemble a “void” or complete dissolution of experience—while wakefulness is retained—parallels meditative states of “nonduality” or minimal phenomenal experience (MPE). However, unlike meditation, which often requires years of training, 5-MeO-DMT can produce such states quickly and reliably, allowing scientists to study altered consciousness under controlled circumstances.
Despite its potential, the researchers acknowledge several methodological challenges. Psychedelic experiences are deeply subjective and often ineffable, making them prone to confabulation (the unintentional fabrication of memory) when described retrospectively. To overcome this, the study employs micro-phenomenological interviews—an in-depth qualitative method designed to elicit precise and temporally structured accounts of inner experiences. These interviews are coupled with psychometric questionnaires and electroencephalography (EEG) to triangulate subjective reports with brain activity. The researchers hypothesised that 5-MeO-DMT would disrupt self-related processes and reduce alpha brainwave activity, a pattern consistent with diminished high-level cognitive control.
Materials and Methods
Participants
Participants were recruited on the basis of their voluntary attendance at psychedelic ceremonies involving the ingestion of 5-MeO-DMT. These sessions took place in the Netherlands and Spain and included the use of either synthetic 5-MeO-DMT or naturally derived toad secretions containing the compound. Inclusion criteria required participants to be 18 years or older and fluent in English. A total of 14 participants (average age ~36 years) were enrolled. Ethical approval was secured from relevant committees at Imperial College London and Maastricht University.
Procedure
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Exploring 5-MeO-DMT as a pharmacological model for deconstructed consciousness
https://doi.org/10.1093/nc/niaf007
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Cite this paper (APA)
Timmermann, C., Sanders, J. W., Reydellet, D., Barba, T., Luan, L. X., Angona, Ó. S., ... & Uthaug, M. V. (2025). Exploring 5-MeO-DMT as a pharmacological model for deconstructed consciousness. Neuroscience of Consciousness, 2025(1), niaf007.
Study details
Compounds studied
5-MeO-DMT
Topics studied
Healthy Subjects
Neuroscience
Study characteristics
Observational
Theory Building
Bio/Neuro
Participants
14
Humans