Conference

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About

Conference

Pre ICPR Events

About

Lisa Luan, MSc

Imperial College London

Speaker Bio

Lisa Luan is a PhD student at the Centre for Psychedelic Research at Imperial College London. She graduated from the University of Vienna with a BSc in Psychology and completed a Research Master’s in Psychology at the University of Amsterdam. For her PhD, she is developing a method for the continuous infusion of DMT, and investigating the effects of DMT using high-density EEG.

ICPR 2024 Abstract

Acute effects of extended DMT

Background: N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is a serotonergic psychedelic known for its intense, transient changes in consciousness, characterised by complex visual imagery, auditory and somatosensory hallucinations, and affective and cognitive alterations. Its unique effects and minimal toxicity make DMT a valuable tool for studying human consciousness and investigating its potential therapeutic benefits for mental health disorders. 

Research question: Here, we explored continuous intravenous (IV) infusion of DMT as a novel method of administration, with the aim of extending the peak effects of the otherwise transient experience into a steady state. Additionally, we investigated the psychological, physiological and EEG effects induced by continuous IV infusions of DMT. 

Methods: In two single-blind, placebo-controlled studies, 28 healthy volunteers received continuous IV DMT in five different doses over 30 minutes. 256-channel 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.

Main findings: Continuous IV infusions of DMT were well-tolerated and effective in extending the peak effects of DMT over the duration of the infusion. Marked changes in physiology and subjective experience were observed. The presentation of findings will centre around changes in EEG brain activity induced by continuous IV DMT. 

Conclusion: Continuous IV DMT offers a novel method for prolonged immersion in the DMT state, facilitating research into its phenomenology and effects on human consciousness and its potential therapeutic applications in mental health.

© 2007-2024 ICPR by OPEN Foundation, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
© 2007-2024 ICPR by OPEN Foundation, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
© 2007-2024 ICPR by OPEN Foundation, Amsterdam, the Netherlands