An encounter with death: a comparative thematic and content analysis of naturalistic DMT experiences and the near-death experience.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Classical near-death experiences (NDEs) refer to states of disconnected consciousness characterised by a range of features occurring in the context of being close to death. Various psychedelic substances, such as N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), consistently replicate NDE features and may be considered 'near-death-like experiences.' However, a systematic qualitative analysis comparing the specifics of content with the broader themes of both psychedelic and NDEs has yet to be conducted.

Methods

We report the third thematic and content analysis of the DMT experience from a naturalistic field study, focusing on themes related to death and dying. Based on 36 semi-structured interviews, this analysis is then directly compared, qualitatively and in terms of

SUBMITTER: Michael P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11920758 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature