Neuroimaging Study (MRI) on Mindfulness Meditation under Pharmacological Stimulation with DMT and Harmin
Summary description of the study
We are conducting this project to investigate potential neurophysiological synergy effects between mindfulness meditation and psychedelics. Previous studies have found that both mindfulness and psychedelics such as psilocybin modulate the neural activity and connectivity of the same brain network. However, little is known about the potential interactions between mindfulness meditation and psychedelics. Particularly interesting for the combination with mindfulness meditation is the indigenous plant preparation "Ayahuasca". It contains two components, N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and Harmin, which are very similar to the body's neurotransmitter serotonin and enhance its effect in the body. We now want to find out how these corresponding networks change in experienced meditators after DMT/Harmin-enhanced mindfulness meditation and how this affects their subjective experience. For this purpose, we apply functional MRI imaging, as well as psychometric questionnaires and detailed experiential interviews before and after a three-day meditation retreat. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will receive DMT and Harmin during the seated meditation on the second day, while the other group will receive a corresponding placebo. Neither the participants nor the investigator know who receives a placebo or the combination of DMT/Harmin on the day of the trial. The pre- and post-measurements of the MRI imaging and psychometric questionnaires of the DMT/Harmin group will be compared with those of the placebo control group. By investigating the synergistic effects of mindfulness meditation and DMT/Harmin, the aim of this study is to contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the neurophenomenology of rare and hard-to-access consciousness phenomena.
(BASEC)
Intervention under investigation
Our goal is to induce a changed state of consciousness (compared to placebo) through sequential incremental administration of DMT in combination with Harmin in experienced meditators within the framework of a meditation retreat and to investigate this with neurophenomenological methods (double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study).
(BASEC)
Disease under investigation
Healthy subjects
(BASEC)
- Physically and psychologically healthy - Age of 25-60 years - Meditation experience of at least 1000 hours of formal meditation, preferably in Mahayana (Zen), Theravada (Vipassana) or Mahamudra/Dzogchen, as well as prior retreat experience (BASEC)
Exclusion criteria
- Use of medications and drugs - MRI exclusion criterion: metal parts in the body - For women: pregnancy or breastfeeding (BASEC)
Trial sites
Luzern, Zurich
(BASEC)
Sponsor
Dr. sc. Dr. med. Milan Scheidegger, Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik Zürich und Universität Zürich
(BASEC)
Contact
Contact Person Switzerland
Dr. sc. Dr. med. Milan Scheidegger, MA HPK
+41 (0)79 436 13 92
milan.scheidegger@clutterbli.uzh.chPsychiatrische Universitätsklinik Zürich und Universität Zürich
(BASEC)
Scientific Information
not available
Name of the authorising ethics committee (for multicentre studies, only the lead committee)
Ethics Committee Zurich
(BASEC)
Date of authorisation
18.05.2021
(BASEC)
ICTRP Trial ID
not available
Official title (approved by ethics committee)
Mindfulness and Psychedelics: A combined neurophenomenological and pharmacological approach to the characterization of mindfulness states in experienced meditators (BASEC)
Academic title
not available
Public title
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Disease under investigation
not available
Intervention under investigation
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Type of trial
not available
Trial design
not available
Inclusion/Exclusion criteria
not available
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Primary and secondary end points
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Registration date
not available
Incorporation of the first participant
not available
Secondary sponsors
not available
Additional contacts
not available
Secondary trial IDs
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Results-Individual Participant Data (IPD)
not available
Further information on the trial
not available
Results of the trial
Results summary
20251103-dhm-laysummary.pdfLink to the results in the primary register
not available