Enduring changes in personality/attitudes , depression , spirituality , anxiety , wellbeing , substance misuse , meditative practice s , and mindfulness were documented .
Mystical experiences , connectedness , emotional breakthrough , and increased neural entropy were related to these long-term changes in psychological functioning .
Finally , with proper screening , preparation , supervision , and integration , limited aversive side effects were noted by study participants .
Research into the basic effects and therapeutic applications of  psychedelic drugs  has grown considerably in recent years .
Yet , pressing questions remain regarding the substances ' lasting effects .
Although individual studies have begun monitoring sustained changes , no study to- date has synthesized this information .
5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) used in a naturalistic group setting is associated with unintended improvements in depression and anxiety
ABSTRACT Background : A recent epidemiological study suggested that 5-methoxy-N , N-dimethyltryptamine ( 5-MeO-DMT ) used for spiritual and recreational reasons is associated with subjective improvement in depression and anxiety . Further exploration of the potential psychotherapeutic effects of 5-MeO-DMT could inform future clinical trials . Objectives : We examined self-reported improvement in  depression and anxiety among people who use 5-MeO-DMT  in a group setting with structured procedures guiding dose and administration of 5-MeO-DMT . Such procedures also include activities for the preparation of , and support during/following sessions , which are similar to procedures used in clinical trials of hallucinogen administration . Next , we examined whether depression or anxiety were improved following use , and whether the acute subjective effects ( mystical/challenging ) or beliefs about the 5-MeO-DMT experience were associated with improvements in these conditions . Methods : Respondents ( n = 362 ; Mage = 47.7 ; Male = 55 % ; White/Caucasian = 84 % ) completed an anonymous web-based survey . Results : Of those reporting having been diagnosed with depression ( 41 % ) or anxiety ( 48 % ) , most reported these conditions were improved ( depression = 80 % ; anxiety = 79 % ) following 5-MeO-DMT use , and fewer reported they were unchanged ( depression = 17 % ; anxiety = 19 % ) or worsened ( depression = 3 % ; anxiety = 2 % ) . Improvement in depression/anxiety conditions were associated with greater intensity of mystical experiences and higher ratings of the spiritual significance and personal meaning of the 5-MeO-DMT experience . There were no associations between depression or anxiety improvement and the intensity of acute challenging physical/psychological effects during the 5-MeO-DMT experience . Conclusions : Future prospect i ve controlled clinical pharmacology studies should examine the safety and efficacy of 5-MeO-DMT administration for relieving depression and anxiety
Enduring changes in personality/attitudes , depression , spirituality , anxiety , wellbeing , substance misuse , meditative practice s , and mindfulness were documented .
Mystical experiences , connectedness , emotional breakthrough , and increased neural entropy were related to these long-term changes in psychological functioning .
Finally , with proper screening , preparation , supervision , and integration , limited aversive side effects were noted by study participants .
Research into the basic effects and therapeutic applications of  psychedelic drugs  has grown considerably in recent years .
Yet , pressing questions remain regarding the substances ' lasting effects .
Although individual studies have begun monitoring sustained changes , no study to- date has synthesized this information .