Neuroimaging Study (MRI) on Mindfulness Meditation under Pharmacological Stimulation with DMT and Harmin

Descrizione riassuntiva dello studio

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)

Intervento studiato

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)

Malattie studiate

Healthy subjects

(BASEC)

Sponsor

Dr. sc. Dr. med. Milan Scheidegger, Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik Zürich und Universität Zürich

(BASEC)

Nome del comitato etico approvante (per studi multicentrici solo il comitato principale)

Commissione etica Zurigo

(BASEC)

Data di approvazione del comitato etico

18.05.2021

(BASEC)

Risultati dello studio