5-MeO-DMT for post-traumatic stress disorder: a real-world longitudinal case study

Abstract

Psychedelic therapy is, arguably, the next frontier in psychiatry. It offers a radical alternative to longstanding, mainstays of treatment, while exciting a paradigm shift in translational science and drug discovery. There is particular interest in 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT)—a serotonergic psychedelic—as a novel, fast-acting therapeutic. Yet, few studies have directly examined 5-MeO-DMT for trauma- or stress-related psychopathology, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Herein, we present the first longitudinal case study on 5-MeO-DMT for chronic refractory PTSD, in a 23-year-old female. A single dose of vaporized bufotoxin of the Sonoran Desert Toad (Incilius alvarius), containing an estimated 10−15 mg of 5-MeO-DMT, led to clinically significant improvements in PTSD, with next-day effects. This was accompanied by marked reductions in hopelessness and related suicide risk. Improvements, across all constructs, were sustained at 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-months follow-up, as monitored by a supporting clinician. The subject further endorsed a complete mystical experience, hypothesized to underly 5-MeO-DMT’s therapeutic activity. No drug-related, serious adverse events occurred. Together, results showed that 5-MeO-DMT was generally tolerable, safe to administer, and effective for PTSD; however, this was not without risk. The subject reported acute nausea, overwhelming subjective effects, and late onset of night terrors. Further research is warranted to replicate and extend these findings, which are inherently limited, non-generalizable, and rely on methods not clinically accepted.

The potential of 5‐methoxy‐N,N‐dimethyltryptamine in the treatment of alcohol use disorder: A first look at therapeutic mechanisms of action

“…Furthermore, survey studies demonstrate that the 5‐MeO‐DMT‐induced mystical experience is associated with improvements in symptoms of depression, 47 , 50 post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), 47 , 51 , 52 and anxiety. 47 , 50 This indicates that 5‐MeO‐DMT could alleviate psychiatric mood‐related comorbidities that are highly prevalent in AUD.…”

Ketamine in severe, highly treatment-resistant depression—a retrospective case study and a perspective

“…Reckweg et al presented a phase 1 dose-ranging study to assess the safety and psychoactive effects of a vaporized 5-MeO-DMT formulation in healthy volunteers (Reckweg et al, 2021). Ragnhildstveit et al presented a longitudinal case study of a patient who successfully self-medicated her PTSD with 5-MeO-DMT (Ragnhildstveit et al, 2023). Concerning DMT, Timmermann et al found 'a striking similarity between DMT-induced near-death experiences and actual near-death experiences (NDEs) (Timmermann et al, 2018).…”

5-MeO-DMT in the complete resolution of the consequences of chronic, severe sexual abuse in early childhood—a retrospective case study

“…A recent narrative review by Ermakova et al provided a look into the history of the substance, its pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, effects, drug interactions, and toxicology (Ermakova et al, 2021). Ragnhildstveit et al presented a longitudinal case study of a patient who successfully self-medicated her PTSD with 5-MeO-DMT (Ragnhildstveit et al, 2023).…”