Ego death, or ego dissolution, is a term that describes a temporary loss of the sense of self and the boundaries between oneself and the environment or others. While ego death is more commonly associated with classical psychedelics like LSD or psilocybin, it can also occur during therapeutic ketamine therapy, albeit less frequently and typically at higher doses.
During the experience of ego death, individuals may feel their identity, self-concept, and personal boundaries are dissolving or disintegrating. This can lead to a profound unity, interconnectedness, or oneness with the environment and others. Some people may interpret the experience as spiritual or transcendence, while others may find it disorienting or anxiety-provoking.
The occurrence of ego death during ketamine therapy is thought to be related to the drug’s effects on the brain, particularly its ability to alter perception, cognition, and the sense of self. Ketamine’s primary mechanism of action involves blocking NMDA receptors, which play a crucial role in various brain functions, including perception and cognition.
While ego death can be a transformative experience for some individuals, it may not be the primary therapeutic mechanism underlying the antidepressant effects of ketamine. However, the experience of ego death may still contribute to the overall therapeutic outcome by fostering a sense of psychological flexibility, improved self-awareness, or enhanced emotional processing.
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Preller, K. H., & Vollenweider, F. X. (2018). Phenomenology, structure, and dynamic of psychedelic states. Current topics in behavioral neurosciences, 36, 221-256. Retrieved from https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/7854_2016_459