Year: 1997
Type: article
Abstract: The commentators on my paper raised several interesting is sues.Set and setting do influence drug effects, but they also influence near death experiences (NDEs).Some NDEs are very anxiety-generating, just like some ketamine experiences, though frightening NDEs have been ignored by most researchers.High frequency, compulsive ketamine use is rare.While dimethyltryptamine (DMT) may induce NDEs, this is far from typical, while NDE-like effects are typical of ketamine.Rapidity of onset is not related to the capacity of a drug to induce NDEs.The reality of endopsychosins is doubtful, but the reality of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) blocking mecha nisms is not.NDEs and dream sleep may involve similar mechanisms.Al tered states of consciousness do not require a normally functioning brain.Finally, I discuss the possible evolutionary advantage of the NDE mecha nism.I would like to commence by expressing my gratitude to the seven commentators for the time and effort taken with these valuable and interesting commentaries.
Author: Jansen, Karl L. R.
Institution: Maudsley Hospital
Language: English
Subfield: Social Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4300519501