A new study reveals that the psychedelic compound DMT changes brain activity by requiring less energy to move between mental states. Published findings in Communications Biology offer fresh insight into how altered consciousness emerges, with potential implications for mental health research in Thailand and beyond. Research coverage from reputable outlets notes this work helps explain how rapid, transient experiences under DMT unfold.
Researchers, largely from the Penn Lifespan Informatics & Neuroimaging Center at the University of Pennsylvania, studied 20 healthy adults. Each person completed two sessions, two weeks apart: one with intravenous DMT and one with a placebo. During 28-minute sessions, researchers used functional MRI and EEG to monitor brain activity while participants described the intensity of their experiences in real time.
Central to the study is network control theory, a mathematical framework that estimates the neuronal energy needed to switch brain activity from one pattern to another. The results show that DMT lowers the energy required for these transitions compared with placebo. In effect, the brain becomes more flexible, allowing thoughts and perceptions to shift with reduced biological resistance.
This lowered “control energy” aligned with two hallmark features of the DMT experience: greater diversity in brain signals—interpreted as expanded consciousness—and higher self-reported intensity. The strongest effects appeared in regions rich in serotonin 2A receptors, which influence perception, thinking, and mood. Key networks—the visual system, the frontoparietal network, and the default mode network—exhibited notable changes. The timing varied: self-referential networks settled earlier, while visual-processing changes emerged later and endured longer.
According to the study’s lead researcher, much remains to be understood about what these patterns mean. The team cross-validated brain-imaging data with receptor maps, finding serotonin 2A receptor density to be a strong predictor of DMT’s impact on brain dynamics. This finding echoes a growing body of global psychedelic research that places serotonin 2A at the center of dramatic shifts in conscious experience.
The study’s implications extend beyond academic insight. By temporarily lowering the threshold for switching between mental states, DMT may help explain why users report vivid visions, personal insights, and shifts in perspective that some describe as transformative. Such observations echo long-standing cultural contexts where altered states are pursued for healing and spiritual insight, now being explored through scientific methods.
However, the study has limitations to note. With 14 participants included in the final analysis, the sample size is small. The single-blind design also leaves room for expectation effects. Despite these caveats, the researchers’ use of advanced modeling and receptor mapping strengthens the credibility of their conclusions.
For Thailand, where interest in both traditional remedies and modern therapies is growing, these findings could inform future research agendas. Thai universities and hospitals have shown rising curiosity about psychedelic-assisted approaches for mood disorders and anxiety. While Thailand currently regulates psychedelics tightly, international research such as this may guide carefully supervised clinical studies aligned with local ethics and medical standards.
Culturally, Thailand’s rich history of mind-related practices—ranging from meditation traditions to traditional herbal medicine—offers a thoughtful lens on such discoveries. The ongoing dialogue between global science and Thai cultural perspectives underscores the importance of responsible exploration that respects local values while pursuing potential mental-health benefits.
Looking ahead, scientists see potential for personalized approaches in psychiatry. Network control theory could help pave the way for treatment strategies that tailor psychedelic-assisted therapies to individual brain chemistry. Yet, safety, rigorous clinical trial designs, and clear regulatory guidance remain essential steps before any clinical application in Thailand or elsewhere.
For readers, the takeaway is a call for measured curiosity. Psychedelics are powerful tools whose benefits and risks are still being mapped. Reputable, evidence-based research points to possibilities while underscoring the need for professional supervision, ethics, and cultural sensitivity. As Thailand strengthens its commitment to mental-health innovation, these global findings may inform future pathways for compassionate, scientifically grounded care.
To stay informed, Thai audiences should rely on trusted health authorities and peer-reviewed research, supporting responsible innovation in mental health. If considering any questions about psychedelic substances, consult licensed medical professionals and discuss personal or family histories with care.