DMT-induced shifts in criticality correlate with ego-dissolution
bioRxiv – February 08, 2025
Source: PPR
Summary
Our brains operate at a unique "sweet spot" for processing information. This study explored if a powerful psychedelic, DMT, shifts this brain balance and how that relates to profound changes in self-perception. Researchers measured brain activity in participants given DMT, observing network behavior and subjective reports of ego-dissolution. Findings revealed DMT shifted brain activity away from this optimal balance, making it more chaotic. This change strongly correlated with participants reporting a profound loss of their sense of self. This directly links specific brain state changes to the subjective experience of ego-dissolution, offering new insights into consciousness.
Abstract
DMT-induced shifts in criticality correlate with ego-dissolution