A vaporized formulation of 5-MeO-DMT, a fast-acting psychedelic, was tested in 22 healthy volunteers at single doses of 6, 12, and 18 mg and with an individualized dose escalation regimen. The drug produced dose-related increases in the intensity of psychedelic experiences, as measured by several questionnaires, except for challenging experiences. Maximal effects on mystical, ego dissolution, and altered states of consciousness ratings occurred after individualized dose escalation. Cognition, mood, and well-being were not affected. Vital signs remained stable, and adverse events were mild and resolved on their own. Individualized dose escalation may be preferable for clinical applications aiming to enhance short-term psychoactive effects for a strong therapeutic response.
In consciousness research, participants are typically asked to report what they consciously experience, but this may conflate the neural correlates of consciousness (NCC) with attention or metacognition. To avoid this, researchers have adopted no-report paradigms, which rely on comparing conditions with and without report. However, analysis of several such comparisons reveals alternative interpretations and methodological issues beyond the earlier criticism that merely removing report does not prevent metacognitive reflection. Without a task, the conscious mind tends to turn inward, switching between external stimuli and daydreaming or mind-wandering. Thus, no-report paradigms may instead capture the neural correlates of conscious disengagement, reaffirming that they are no less problematic than report paradigms.