Natural language analysis of the structure of altered states of consciousness
Journal of Psychedelic Studies May 17, 2025 Daria Dikovskaya, Bhargav Srinivasa Desikan, Joel Frohlich et al. 2 citations
A preliminary investigation into altered states of consciousness (ASC) analyzed 300 narrative reports across 12 induction methods, including meditation, float tank, and several psychedelics. Most psychedelics (except LSD), along with salvia and ketamine, shared similar content with non-pharmacological methods. In qualitative analysis, most psychedelics except LSD were deemed both positive and authentic, with authenticity predicting positive sentiment across all methods. Latent themes charted a trajectory from baseline to metaphysical experience, and text-to-image AI illustrated the underlying structure. The findings suggest that some ASC induction methods, such as salvia, ketamine, or 5-MeO-DMT, may be characterized as 'mind-manifesting,' but not others like LSD, datura, or DPH.