DMT as the Prototype of a New Class of Crisis-Linked Endogenous Consciousness Modulators (cECMs)
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) November 23, 2025 DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17694547 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA new biological classification for DMT is proposed: crisis-linked endogenous consciousness modulators (cECMs). DMT uniquely satisfies six falsifiable criteria: endogenous neural biosynthesis, deep evolutionary conservation, ultra-rapid pharmacokinetics, multi-receptor promiscuity, crisis-linked release, and induction of information-rich structured internal states. 5-MeO-DMT meets five criteria and is designated borderline; classic psychedelics (psilocin, LSD, mescaline) and conventional neuromodulators fail most criteria. Published evidence of mammalian brain biosynthesis, sigma-1 receptor regulation, TAAR signaling, and ischemia-linked surges supports the framework. Four concrete, testable predictions are presented. The cECM model offers a precise, predictive alternative to the current "classic psychedelic" taxonomy.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Falsifiability Class philosophy Consciousness Artificial neural network Predictive coding |
| Key finding | DMT uniquely satisfies six falsifiable criteria for classification as a crisis-linked endogenous consciousness modulator, providing a predictive alternative to the classic psychedelic taxonomy. |
Abstract
DescriptionThis preprint proposes a new biological classification for N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT): crisis-linked endogenous consciousness modulators (cECMs). Using six mechanistically grounded, falsifiable criteria—endogenous neural biosynthesis, deep evolutionary conservation, ultra-rapid pharmacokinetics, multi-receptor promiscuity, crisis-linked release, and induction of information-rich structured internal states—DMT is shown to uniquely satisfy all criteria. 5-MeO-DMT meets five and is designated borderline; classic psychedelics (psilocin, LSD, mescaline) and conventional neuromodulators fail most criteria. The framework is supported by published evidence of mammalian brain biosynthesis, sigma-1 receptor regulation, TAAR signaling, and ischemia-linked surges. Four concrete, testable predictions are presented. The cECM model provides a precise, predictive alternative to the current “classic psychedelic” taxonomy.