The Altered States Database: Psychometric data from a systematic literature review

This paper (2022) presents the development of the Altered State Database (ASDB), a novel tool that allows for the calculation of comparable psychometric values of altered states of consciousness (ASC) experiences and of dose-response relationships of substances inducing ASC. The ASDB was developed through a systematic literature review of psychometric questionnaire data on the subjective experiences of ASC.

Abstract

“In this paper, we present the development of the Altered States Database (ASDB), an open-science project based on a systematic literature review. The ASDB contains psychometric questionnaire data on subjective experiences of altered states of consciousness (ASC) induced by pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods. The systematic review follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Scientific journal articles were identified through PubMed and Web of Science. We included studies that examined ASC using the following validated questionnaires: Altered States of Consciousness Rating Scale (APZ, 5D-ASC, 11-ASC), Phenomenology of Consciousness Inventory (PCI), Hallucinogen Rating Scale (HRS), or Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ30). The systematic review resulted in the inclusion of a total of 165 journal articles, whereof questionnaire data was extracted and is now available on the Open Science Framework (OSF) website and on the ASDB website, where questionnaire data can be easily retrieved and visualized. This data allows the calculation of comparable psychometric values of ASC experiences and of dose-response relationships of substances inducing ASC.”

Authors: Johanna Prugger, Ekin Derdiyok, Jannis Dinkelacker, Cyril Costines & Timo T. Schmidt

Summary of The Altered States Database

In recent years, there has been increasing interest in the scientific study of consciousness, including investigating altered states of consciousness. These experiences can involve profound changes in subjective experiences.

In the experimental study of consciousness, attention is paid to induced ASC that are reversible and of short-term duration. These experiences can be mapped and taxonomized at a phenomenological level of description.

Standardized and validated questionnaires have been developed to quantify different aspects of ASC phenomena.

The Altered States Database (ASDB) is an open-science project aiming to provide researchers and non-scientists easy access to valuable information concerning ASC. The ASDB was upgraded following the PRISMA 2020 Statement Guidelines and extended by including recently published data.