Does N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) Adequately Explain Near-Death Experiences?
University of North Texas Digital Library (University of North Texas) January 1, 2012 Michael Potts 2 citations
Some researchers have proposed that the psychedelic drug DMT, which the body naturally produces in small amounts, might be released in larger quantities during extreme physical stress and cause near-death experiences (NDEs). This paper examines whether DMT could play a causal role in producing NDEs. After reviewing basic information about NDEs, classifying theories of NDEs, and discussing DMT's chemical and psychological effects, the author compares the phenomenology of DMT experiences and NDEs. The conclusion is that the two types of experiences lack sufficient similarity to justify a causal role for DMT in NDEs.