The psychedelic model of schizophrenia: the case of N,N- dimethyltryptamine

A review of research on N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) as a possible cause of schizophrenia finds that while DMT produces psychedelic effects in healthy people, the body has the means to make it, and tolerance to its effects is incomplete, key evidence is lacking. DMT levels have not been shown to differ between people with schizophrenia and healthy controls, its production in the body has not been convincingly demonstrated, and its psychological effects do not closely resemble schizophrenia symptoms. The authors conclude that more data are needed before the theory can be validated.

Study at a glance

Abstract

The authors review the research on N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) as a possible "schizotoxin." DMT produces psychedelic effects when administered to normal subjects, the means are present to synthesize it in man, it has occasionally been found in man, and tolerance to its behavioral effects is incomplete. However, DMT concentrations have not been proven to differ significantly in schizophrenics and normal controls. Also, in vivo synthesis of DMT has not been convincingly demonstrated, and the psychological changes it produces do not closely mimic the symptoms of schizophrenia. The authors conclude that more data are necessary before the validity of this theory can be determined.