Mystical Experience Questionnaire Research Articles

Centering and flourishing: an online intervention study assessing the effects of a Christian contemplative practice on stress-reduction and human flourishing

Despite widespread engagement in contemplative religious practices, comparatively little research has been conducted on their potential effects on well-being. Furthermore, few studies have focused on how an explicitly religious framing may impact the outcomes of such practices. In this online randomized controlled trial (N = 702), we tested the well-being effects of a contemplative prayer practice called Centering Prayer on self-identifying Christians. We compared 1) presenting the practice with an explicitly religious framing (experimental condition), 2) presenting the practice without an explicitly religious framing (active control), and 3) presenting simple instructions to reflect on the day, without any instructions regarding a meditation-like practice (passive control). After randomization into one of these three conditions, participants were asked to complete their assigned practice daily for 28 days. We hypothesized that the religious framing version of the practice would increase well-being over the active and passive control conditions. Well-being was assessed at three follow-up time points: one day, one week, and one month after the practice period. We found no group differences between the conditions on our primary outcome measure of well-being at one-week post-intervention. Each group increased in well-being from baseline to follow-up. We found significant group differences on acute measures of spiritual experience, the Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ-30) and Daily Spiritual Experience Questionnaire (DSES). These results suggest that a religious framing may not enhance well-being effects but may alter spiritual outcomes related to contemplative practices.

Psychothérapie assistée par psychédéliques (PAP) : le modèle genevois

BackgroundIn this article, we aim to describe an interdisciplinary model for psychedelic assisted psychotherapy (PAP) that we have developed at the Geneva University Hospitals, in an institutional setting. Our model integrates the collaborative efforts of psychiatrists, psychologists, and nurses establishing a structured framework for administering PAP in a safe, controlled, and scientifically rigorous manner. IntroductionPsychedelic assisted psychotherapy (PAP) is a psychotherapeutic approach that utilizes the profound alteration of the state of consciousness induced by psychedelic substances to enhance therapeutic outcomes. This innovative approach, which has been neglected due to historical biases rather than empirical evidence, is now experiencing a renewed interest among clinicians. Contemporary research, equipped with advanced methodologies and a rigorous scientific approach, is showing significant therapeutic potential for a range of mental health disorders. In Switzerland, the legal framework has allowed since 2014 for exceptional authorizations for the medicinal use of LSD and psilocybin for therapeutic purposes, under strict regulations. MethodHere, we provide a comprehensive description of the PAP protocol implemented at the Geneva University Hospitals, beginning with its inception in September 2020. Our methodological outline includes the administrative and clinical selection criteria for patient eligibility; the preparatory sessions designed to introduce the patients with psychoeducation interventions and the analysis of intention and therapeutical objectives; the controlled administration of psychedelics in a supportive environment; and the integration sessions that follow psychedelic experiences. Our protocol emphasizes safety, ethical considerations, and the importance of a supportive therapeutic relationship throughout the process. We also describe questionnaires we use to qualify and assess the alteration in the state of consciousness, namely The Five Dimension Altered States of Consciousness (5AD-ASC) and the Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ). Since the start of the program in September 2020 and up to February 2024, a total of 224 personal authorizations (114 LSD, 110 Psilocybin) have been issued to the Geneva University Hospital PAP team, for a total of 396 individual sessions. DiscussionThe core argument presented in this article is that the psychedelic-induced alteration of consciousness is a novel therapeutic tool, which works as a potent catalyst that can be synergistically combined with traditional dialogue-based psychotherapy. This combination has the potential to support the psychotherapeutic processes and enable breakthroughs in cases where conventional therapy has reached its limits. We discuss the implications of this approach, reflecting on both its challenges and its transformative potential within its clinical application. ConclusionThe conclusion of our article is an endorsement of the continued basic and clinical research on PAP. By presenting a detailed framework of the PAP process, including its preparatory, experiential, and integrative phases, we advocate for a structured and scientifically grounded exploration of its therapeutic efficacy. Our conclusion calls for a broader acceptance and integration of PAP within clinical practice, provided it is underpinned by ongoing research, ethical practice, and institutional support.

Psychedelic Mysticism and Christian Spirituality: From Science to Love

The scientific claim that psychedelic drugs like psilocybin reliably occasion mystical experiences was justified using the Mystical Experiences Questionnaire (the MEQ), a survey first developed in the 1960s by Walter Pahnke using W.T. Stace’s Mysticism and Philosophy. Scholars in Christian mysticism reject the adequacy of Stace’s work for Western theistic mysticism, especially Christianity. One objection is that Stace follows William James in focusing on intense and unusual moments of mystical experience rather than the somewhat more ordinary mystical life. A greater concern is that Stace more adequately reflects non-Western traditions than Western theistic traditions like Christianity. For Stace, mysticism centers on the concept of union with external reality or with the absolute, a union in which the human creature is absorbed or fused. Christian mysticism, by contrast, involves a sense of presence rather than union, experienced in a most intimate relationship as a felt loving closeness with the divine, but not as fusion or absorption into the divine. While love of God is central to the Christian view, it is ignored in Stace and the MEQ30. Finally for Christianity, mysticism is not found in the momentary experience, but in the lifelong interpretation that leads to transformation.

Phase 1, placebo-controlled, single ascending dose trial to evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetics and effect on altered states of consciousness of intranasal BPL-003 (5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine benzoate) in healthy participants.

To investigate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of BPL-003, a novel intranasal benzoate salt formulation of 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT), in healthy participants. In all, 44 psychedelic-naïve participants enrolled in the double-blind, placebo-controlled single ascending dose study (1-12 mg BPL-003). Concentrations of 5-MeO-DMT and its pharmacologically active metabolite, bufotenine, were determined in plasma and urine. PD endpoints included subjective drug intensity (SDI) rating, the Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ-30) and the Ego Dissolution Inventory (EDI). BPL-003 was well tolerated at doses up to 12 mg. There were no serious adverse events (AEs), and most AEs were mild; the most common being nasal discomfort, nausea, headache and vomiting. 5-MeO-DMT was rapidly absorbed and eliminated; the median time to peak plasma concentration was approximately 8-10 min and the mean terminal elimination half-life was <27 min. 5-MeO-DMT systemic exposure increased approximately dose-proportionally, while plasma bufotenine concentrations and urinary excretion of 5-MeO-DMT and bufotenine were negligible. The intensity of the SDI ratings was associated with plasma 5-MeO-DMT concentrations. MEQ-30 and EDI scores generally increased with the BPL-003 dose; 60% of participants had a 'complete mystical experience' at 10 and 12 mg doses. Profound and highly emotional consciousness-altering effects were observed with BPL-003, with a rapid onset and short-lasting duration. The novel intranasal formulation of BPL-003 was well tolerated with dose-proportional increases in PK and PD effects. The short duration of action and induction of mystical experiences suggest clinical potential, warranting further trials. NCT05347849.

Validation of the Danish Translation of the Revised Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ30) and Possible Impact of Setting, Dose and Intention

ABSTRACT Research suggests positive changes in both well-being and psychiatric symptoms following a psychedelic experience. One explanation may be the ability of psychedelic compounds to occasion mystical-type experiences. The Revised Mystical Experiences Questionnaire (MEQ30) is designed to assess the intensity and quality of such experiences. We examined the validity, reliability, and factor structure of a Danish translation of the MEQ30 in one sample of healthy volunteers receiving psilocybin in a laboratory setting (N = 47) and two samples of recreative users of psychedelics, in which MEQ30 was reported retrospectively through an online survey based on their most recent experience with psilocybin (N = 834) or their most memorable experience with any psychedelic (N = 500). We conducted a confirmatory factor analysis of the previously suggested factor structures, calculated alpha and omega, and tested the associations between MEQ30 total score and setting, intention and dose. We found excellent internal reliability estimates across all samples, and confirmatory factor analysis showed that a four-factor structure, had the best, fair fit to the data. We further found that the MEQ30 total score was correlated with dose and a spiritual/religious intention, but not with setting. The Danish MEQ30 seems to be a valid tool for accessing mystical-type experiences among Danish-speaking individuals.

Safety, tolerability, pharmacodynamic and wellbeing effects of SPL026 (dimethyltryptamine fumarate) in healthy participants: a randomized, placebo-controlled phase 1 trial.

Due to their potential impact on mood and wellbeing there has been increasing interest in the potential of serotonergic psychedelics such as N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) in the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). The aim of Part A of this study was to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) profile of escalating doses of SPL026 (DMT fumarate) in psychedelic-naïve healthy participants to determine a dose for administration to patients with MDD in the subsequent Phase 2a part of the trial (Part B: not presented in this manuscript). In the Phase 1, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, single dose-escalation trial, psychedelic-naïve participants were randomized to placebo (n = 8) or four different escalating doses [9, 12, 17 and 21.5 mg intravenously (IV)] of SPL026 (n = 6 for each dose) together with psychological support from 2 therapy team members. PK and acute (immediately following dosing experience) psychometric measures [including mystical experience questionnaire (MEQ), ego dissolution inventory (EDI), and intensity rating visual analogue scale (IRVAS)] were determined. Additional endpoints were measured as longer-term change from baseline to days 8, 15, 30 and 90. These measures included the Warwick and Edinburgh mental wellbeing scale and Spielberger's state-trait anxiety inventory. SPL026 was well tolerated, with an acceptable safety profile, with no serious adverse events. There was some evidence of a correlation between maximum plasma concentration and increased IRVAS, MEQ, and EDI scores. These trends are likely to require confirmation in a larger sample size. Using the analysis of the safety, tolerability, PD, PK results, doses of 21.5 mg SPL026 were the most likely to provide an intense, tolerated experience. Based on the data obtained from this part of the trial, a dose of 21.5 mg SPL026 given as a 2-phase IV infusion over 10 min (6 mg/5 min and 15.5 mg/5 min) was selected as the dose to be taken into patients in Part B (to be presented in a future manuscript).Clinical trial registration:www.clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT04673383; https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu, identifier 2020-000251-13; https://www.isrctn.com/, identifier ISRCTN63465876.

Factor analysis of the MEQ43 suggests non-psychedelic mystical experiences are different from psychedelic mystical experiences

This study aimed to determine whether the 30-item Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ30) is suitable for measuring non-psychedelic mystical experiences or whether a subset of questions from the 43-item Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ43) is more appropriate. Participants (N = 136) completed an online survey about their non-psychedelic mystical experience, which included the MEQ43 and its subset of items that make up the MEQ30. Confirmatory Factor Analysis revealed that the MEQ30 was not a good fit for the present study’s non-psychedelic sample. Exploratory Factor Analysis of the MEQ43 suggested that an alternative set of items and corresponding factors may be more appropriate. In the new four-factor instrument (MEQ25), 25 items account for all MEQ43 factors. The new factors are Sacred Unity, Noetic Quality, Time-Space Transcendence, and Ineffable and Paradoxical. The new scale demonstrated excellent internal reliability (α = .93) and strong convergent validity with the M-Scale. The new scale is unique because it has a separate factor for noetic quality, which is considered a salient and therapeutic aspect of mystical experience. Furthermore, the refined time-space subscale better reflects the theory and subjective experience of non-psychedelic mystical experiences.

A Psychometric Evaluation of the Dutch Revised Mystical Experience Questionnaire

ABSTRACT In the Netherlands, scientific interest in psychedelics and their subjective effects has been increasing. The present study examined the reliability, construct and predictive validity of the Dutch 30-item Revised Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ30), a self-report measure that has been used to assess subjective and mystical experiences occasioned by psychedelics. In an online survey, 322 Dutch-speaking adults retrospectively reported on profound experiences with psychedelics. Confirmatory factor analyses demonstrated that both a four-factor structure and the same model extended with the MEQ30-total score as a second-order latent variable fit the data. Factor scores showed good internal reliability (α = between .81 and .94) and were significantly higher in participants that beforehand endorsed having had a mystical experience compared to those that did not, providing evidence for the construct validity of the questionnaire as a measure for self-reported mystical experiences. Additionally, MEQ30 scores significantly predicted the meaningfulness and spiritual significance of the psychedelic experience, as well as self-reported positive changes in well-being, life satisfaction and behavior, providing preliminary evidence for the predictive validity of the Dutch MEQ30. Findings suggest the reliability and validity of the Dutch MEQ30 and support the use of the scale in future studies on the subjective effects of psychedelics.

The revival of the psychedelic experience scale: Revealing its extended-mystical, visual, and distressing experiential spectrum with LSD and psilocybin studies.

Research with the Psychedelic Experience Questionnaire/Scale (PES) focuses on questions relating to mystical experience (Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ)). The psychometric potential of the non-MEQ items of the PES remains largely unexplored. We investigated whether the PES also yields subscales besides the MEQ30 subscales. Data from 239 PES measurements (140 healthy participants) from six studies with moderate to high doses of lysergic acid diethylamide and/or psilocybin were included. New subscales (with items other than MEQ30) were created and validated as follows: (1) theoretical derivation of candidate items; (2) removal of items with rare experiences; (3) exploratory factor analysis; and (4) confirmatory factor analysis. Correlations of subscales within the PES and between the PES and the 5-Dimensional Altered States of Consciousness Scale (5D-ASC) were performed. In addition, a cluster analysis using all items (except rare experiences) was performed. The reliability of the four original factors of the MEQ30 was confirmed and four additional factors for the non-MEQ items were revealed: paradoxicality, connectedness, visual experience, and distressing experience. The first two additional factors were strongly correlated with the MEQ30 mystical subscale. Adding the new subscales to the MEQ30 subscales increased the explained variance with the 5D-ASC. The cluster analysis confirmed our main results and provided additional insights for future psychedelic psychometrics. The study yields a new validated 6-factor structure for extended mystical experience (MEQ40: MEQ30 + Paradoxicality + Connectedness) and covers psychedelic experience as a whole more comprehensively than has hitherto been possible within a single questionnaire (PES48). The entire PES (PES100) can also be used for further future psychedelic-psychometric research.

Development of the Japanese version of the 30-item Mystical Experience Questionnaire.

Psychedelics have garnered increased attention as potential therapeutic options for various mental illnesses. Previous studies reported that psychedelics cause psychoactive effects through mystical experiences induced by these substances, including an altered state of consciousness. While this phenomenon is commonly assessed by the Mystical Experiences Questionnaire (MEQ30), a Japanese version of the MEQ30 has not been available. The aim of this study was to develop the Japanese version of the MEQ30. We adhered to the "Principles of Good Practice for the Translation and Cultural Adaptation Process for Patient-Reported Outcomes (PRO) Measures: Report of the ISPOR Task Force for Translation and Cultural Adaptation" in our translation process. Two Japanese psychiatrists independently performed forward translations, from which a unified version was derived through reconciliation. This version was subsequently back-translated into English and reviewed by the original authors for equivalency. The iterative revision process was carried out through ongoing discussions with the original authors until they approved the final back-translated version. The final, approved back-translated version of the MEQ30 is presented in the accompanying figure. Additionally, the authorized Japanese version of the MEQ30 is included in the Appendix A. In this study, we successfully developed a Japanese version of the MEQ30. This scale will facilitate the assessment of mystical experiences associated with psychedelic-assisted therapy among Japanese speakers. Further research is warranted to evaluate the reliability and validity of this newly translated scale.

Co-use of MDMA with psilocybin/LSD may buffer against challenging experiences and enhance positive experiences

Psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) experiences can range from very positive to highly challenging (e.g., fear, grief, and paranoia). These challenging experiences contribute to hesitancy toward psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy among health care providers and patients. Co-use of 3,4-Methylenedioxy methamphetamine (MDMA) with psilocybin/LSD anecdotally reduces challenging experiences and enhances positive experiences associated with psilocybin/LSD. However, limited research has investigated the acute effects of co-use of MDMA and psilocybin/LSD. In a prospective convenience sample (N = 698) of individuals with plans to use psilocybin/LSD, we examined whether co-use of MDMA with psilocybin/LSD (n = 27) is associated with differences in challenging or positive experiences. Challenging experiences were measured using the Challenging Experiences Questionnaire and positive experiences were measured using the Mystical Experience Questionnaire and single-item measures of self-compassion, compassion, love, and gratitude. Potentially confounding variables were identified and included as covariates. Relative to psilocybin/LSD alone, co-use of psilocybin/LSD with a self-reported low (but not medium–high) dose of MDMA was associated with significantly less intense total challenging experiences, grief, and fear, as well as increased self-compassion, love and gratitude. Co-use of psilocybin/LSD and MDMA was not associated with differences in mystical-type experiences or compassion. Findings suggest co-use of MDMA with psilocybin/LSD may buffer against some aspects of challenging experiences and enhance certain positive experiences. Limitations include use of a convenience sample, small sample size, and non-experimental design. Additional studies (including controlled dose–response studies) that examine the effects and safety of co-administering MDMA with psilocybin/LSD (in healthy controls and clinical samples) are warranted and may assist the development of personalized treatments.

Translation and Initial Psychometric Evaluation of Spanish Versions of Three Psychedelic Acute Effects Measures: Mystical, Challenging, and Insight Experiences

ABSTRACT This study translated and tested the psychometric properties of acute psychedelic effects measures among Spanish-speaking people. The Psychological Insight Questionnaire (PIQ), Challenging Experiences Questionnaire (CEQ), and Mystical Experiences Questionnaire (MEQ) were translated before being incorporated into a web-based survey. We recruited native Spanish-speakers (N = 442; Mage = 30.8, SD = 10.9; Latino/Latina = 62%; Hispanic = 91.4%; male = 71.5%) to assess their previous experience with one of two psychedelics (LSD = 58.4%; Psilocybin = 41.6%) and their acute and enduring effects. Confirmatory factor analysis (confirming factor structure based on the English version) revealed a good fit for the MEQ, PIQ and the CEQ. Repeating our analysis in each drug subsample revealed consistency in factor structure for each assessment tool. Construct validity was supported by significant positive associations between the PIQ and MEQ, and between the PIQ and MEQ and changes in cognitive fusion and negative associations between changes in prosocial behaviors. As a signal of predictive validity, persisting effects (PEQ) were strongly related to scores on the MEQ and PIQ. Findings demonstrate that the Spanish versions of these measures can be reliably employed in studies of psychedelic use or administration in Spanish-speaking populations.

THC-O-Acetate: Scarce Evidence for a Psychedelic Cannabinoid

ABSTRACT There is a growing interest in semi-synthetic cannabinoids, including THC-O-acetate (THC-Oac). Some cannabis marketers and users have claimed that THC-Oac produces psychedelic effects; the current study is the first to examine this claim. Researchers developed an online survey for THC-Oac consumers based on previous cannabis and psychedelic use surveys and in consultation with the moderator of an online forum. The survey assessed the experiential profile of THC-Oac and included items from the Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ), an instrument for assessing psychedelic experiences. Participants reported a low to moderate level of cognitive distortions (altered sense of time, difficulties concentrating, difficulties with short-term memory) and few visuals or hallucinations. Participants’ responses were significantly below the threshold for a complete mystical experience on all four MEQ dimensions. Participants who had used classic (5-HT2A agonist) psychedelics had lower scores on all MEQ dimensions. When asked directly, 79% responded that using THC-Oac is “not at all” or “a little” of a psychedelic experience. Some reports of psychedelic experiences may be due to expectations or contaminants. Those having prior experience with classic psychedelics had lower ratings of mystical experiences.

Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy treatment of chronic pain and comorbid depression: a pilot study of two approaches.

Chronic pain and depression diagnoses are skyrocketing. There is an urgent need for more effective treatments. Ketamine was recently established to alleviate pain and depression, but many gaps remain in the scientific literature. This paper reports the findings of an observational preliminary study that explored the efficacy of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAPT) for chronic pain/major depressive disorder (MDD) comorbidity. Researchers evaluated two KAPT approaches to determine optimal route of administration/dose. Ten individuals diagnosed with a chronic pain disorder and MDD receiving KAPT were recruited: five individuals pursuing the psychedelic approach (high doses administered intramuscularly 24 h before therapy) and five individuals pursuing the psycholytic approach (low doses administered sublingually via oral lozenges during therapy). To evaluate differences between altered states of consciousness each approach induces, participants completed the Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ30) after their first (T-1), third (T-2) and sixth/final (T-3) treatment sessions. Primary outcomes were change in Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores and Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) Short Form scores from baseline (T0) to (T-1)-(T-3). Secondary outcomes were changes in Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) Scale scores and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist (PCL-5) scores at each timepoint. Statistically significant differences between each approach were not observed, but the small sample's limited statistical power makes changes seen worth noting. All participants' symptoms declined throughout treatment. Psychedelic treatment participants saw a larger, more consistent decrease. Researchers conclude that KAPT may be effective for treating chronic pain/MDD comorbidity, anxiety and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Findings imply that the psychedelic approach may be more effective. This pilot study serves as a basis for more extensive research that will inform how clinicians administer treatment to optimize outcomes.

Mystical experience occasioned by non-medicinal embodied therapy And integration process for mental well-Being

Expansion of psychoactive hallucinogens in mental health continues to be a major trend. Several psychoactive molecules including psilocybin and MDMA continue to move through the FDA approval process with clinical trials.1 In the meantime, off-label ketamine medically supervised programs and indigenous plant ceremonies continue to expand.2,3 This study explores the potential benefits of High Intensity Embodied Stimulation (HIES) which is part of the Body Logic Program (10–12 sessions), and its ability to mimic psychoactive states of mind.4 The study employs a questionnaire of mystical experience, developed at Johns Hopkins, the Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ), that assesses mystical experiences in seven domains. Fifty-six participants who finished the Body Logic Program, completed the questionnaire. Comparative data from Psilocybin participants, post psilocybin, as well as a placebo group (non-psilocybin) provide reference data.5,6 Results show that 51% of HIES participants report a strong or extreme mystical experience. Another 31% of HIES participants report a moderate strength of mystical experience. Results suggest that Body Logic Program can provide an efficacious system for mystical experience and body-mind integration.

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

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 (https://osf.io/8mbru) and on the ASDB website (http://alteredstatesdb.org), 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.

Understanding subjective experience in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy: The need for phenomenology.

Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy is being investigated as a treatment for a range of psychiatric illnesses. Current research suggests that the kinds of subjective experiences induced by psychedelic compounds play key roles in producing therapeutic outcomes. To date, most knowledge of therapeutic psychedelic experiences are derived from psychometric assessments with scales such as the Mystical Experience Questionnaire. While these approaches are insightful, more nuanced and detailed descriptions of psychedelic-induced changes to subjective experience are required. Drawing on recent advancements in qualitative methods arising from the interdisciplinary field of phenomenological psychopathology, we propose a systematic and comprehensive investigation into how psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy alters subjective experience. This research programme aims to characterise the nature of therapeutic psychedelic experiences by drawing on concepts from philosophical phenomenology. Such characterisations should, moreover, contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms of psychedelic therapy, the role of integration therapy, and related philosophical debates.

Lasting increases in trait mindfulness after psilocybin correlate positively with the mystical-type experience in healthy individuals.

BackgroundPsilocybin-induced mystical-type experiences are associated with lasting positive psychological outcomes. Recent studies indicate that trait mindfulness is increased 3 months after psilocybin intake, preceded by decreases in neocortical serotonin 2A receptor (5-HT2AR) binding. However, the association between psilocybin-induced mystical-type experiences and subsequent changes in trait mindfulness remains unexplored, as does the association between pre-drug trait mindfulness and 5-HT2AR binding in the healthy brain.AimWe evaluated whether psilocybin induced lasting increases in trait mindfulness in healthy volunteers, and whether the mystical-type experience was associated with this increase. We further examined the association between pre-drug trait mindfulness and 5-HT2AR binding in neocortex and selected frontolimbic regions.Materials and methodsForty-six medium-high dose psilocybin sessions were conducted in 39 healthy individuals. The mystical-type experience was measured with the Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ) at the end of the session. Trait mindfulness was measured using the Mindful Attention and Awareness Scale (MAAS) at baseline and 3 months after the psilocybin session. Thirty-two of the participants completed pre-drug [11C]-Cimbi-36 positron emission tomography (PET) to assess 5-HT2AR binding in neocortex and, post-hoc, in the frontolimbic regions amygdala, frontal cortex, and anterior cingulate cortex.ResultsThe MAAS score was significantly increased at 3-month follow-up (p = 3.24 × 10–6), a change positively associated with the MEQ score (p = 0.035). Although the association between pre-drug MAAS score and neocortex 5-HT2AR binding was not significant (p = 0.24), post-hoc analyses revealed a significant negative association between MAAS and right amygdala 5-HT2AR binding (pFWER = 0.008).ConclusionWe here show that lasting changes in trait mindfulness following psilocybin administration are positively associated with intensity of the mystical-type experience, suggesting that the acute phenomenology of psilocybin facilitates a shift in awareness conducive for mindful living. We furthermore show that higher pre-drug trait mindfulness is associated with reduced 5-HT2AR binding in the right amygdala.

The influence of ceremonial settings on mystical and challenging experiences occasioned by ayahuasca: A survey among ritualistic and religious ayahuasca users.

Recent studies have recognized the importance of non-pharmacological factors such as setting to induce or promote mystical experiences or challenging experiences among ayahuasca users. This study aimed to evaluate the association between the setting in which ayahuasca is consumed and the intensity of mystical and challenging experiences considering three ayahuasca using traditions (União do Vegetal, Santo Daime and neo-shamanic groups). A cross-sectional analysis was performed on survey data collected online from 2,751 participants. The Setting Questionnaire for the Ayahuasca Experience (SQAE) was used to evaluate six dimensions of the setting characteristics. The Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ) and the Challenging Experience Questionnaire (CEQ) were used to quantify the psychedelic experience. Ratings on every SQAE setting dimension were negatively correlated with ratings of the CEQ (r values between 0.21 and 0.36) for all ayahuasca using traditions. Regression analysis revealed that ratings on four SQAE dimensions (Social, Comfort, Infrastructure and Decoration) explained 41% of the variance in CEQ ratings. Associations between SQAE and MEQ ratings were relatively weak and confined to the dimensions Leadership and Comfort, explaining 14% of the variance in MEQ ratings. Ratings of Social context were higher among members of União do Vegetal compared to Santo Daime and neo-shamanic members. Ratings of Infrastructure, Comfort and Decoration were more consistently correlated with MEQ in the neoshamanic tradition compared to the other traditions. This study shows that the setting is an important moderator of a challenging experience under ayahuasca. Maximizing the quality of the setting in which ayahuasca is taken will reduce the chance of a challenging experience while contributing positively to a mystical experience. The present findings can be considered when designing rituals and the (social) environment of ayahuasca ceremonies, and indicate that the SQAE questionnaire can be employed to monitor the influence of ceremonial settings on the ayahuasca experience.

A Phase 1, Dose-Ranging Study to Assess Safety and Psychoactive Effects of a Vaporized 5-Methoxy-N,N-Dimethyltryptamine Formulation (GH001) in Healthy Volunteers

Introduction5-Methoxy-N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) is a tryptamine with ultra-rapid onset and short duration of psychedelic effects. Prospective studies for other tryptamines have suggested beneficial effects on mental health outcomes.ObjectivesIn preparation for a study in patients with depression, the present study GH001-HV-101 aimed to assess the impact of four different dose levels of a novel vaporized 5-MeO-DMT formulation (GH001) administered via inhalation as single doses, and in an individualized dose escalation regimen on the safety, tolerability, and the dose-related psychoactive effects in healthy volunteers (n=22). Further, we aimed to assess the impact on cognitive functioning, mood, and well-being.MethodsThe psychedelic experience was assessed with a novel Peak Experience Scale (PES), the Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ), the Ego Dissolution Inventory (EDI), the Challenging Experience Questionnaire (CEQ), and the 5-Dimensional Altered States of Consciousness Questionnaire (5D-ASC).Results5-MeO-DMT produced dose-related increments in the intensity of the psychedelic experience ratings on all questionnaires, except the CEQ. Prominent effects were observed following single doses of 6, 12, and 18 mg on PES and MEQ ratings, while maximal effects on PES, MEQ, EDI, and 5D-ASC ratings were observed following individualized dose escalation of 5-MeO-DMT. Measures of cognition, mood, and well-being were not affected. Vital signs at 1 and 3 h after administration were not affected and adverse events were generally mild and resolved spontaneously.ConclusionsIndividualized dose escalation of 5-MeO-DMT may be preferable over single dose administration for clinical applications that aim to enhance the short-term psychoactive effects to elicit a strong therapeutic response.DisclosureThis study was funded by GH Research PLC, Dublin, Ireland.