r/autismgirls • u/kelcamer • Feb 07 '23
DMT Hyperactivity: Reduced activity processing of MAO-A in autism can induce DMT hyperactivity
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Feb 07 '23
[deleted]
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u/kelcamer Feb 07 '23
You're so welcome! 😊😄
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Feb 07 '23
[deleted]
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u/kelcamer Feb 07 '23
Same here!!! I'm thinking about making a podcast episode on it!
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u/kelcamer Feb 17 '25
My goal is to challenge biases in each of these studies, so I will begin posting a general summary of possible biases in each of these studies, compliments of CGPT:
Here are some potential biases in the article:
Confirmation Bias • The authors focus heavily on supporting their hypothesis that pineal gland dysfunction and DMT metabolism are linked to autism, while not giving equal weight to alternative explanations. • Studies contradicting this hypothesis are not thoroughly discussed.
Selection Bias • The article cites studies that align with their theory but does not present a balanced review of research that contradicts or provides alternative explanations. • The inclusion of specific studies supporting pineal gland involvement might lead to a skewed perception of the overall scientific consensus.
Speculative Reasoning • The link between DMT and autism remains largely speculative, with no direct studies measuring DMT levels in autistic individuals. • Many assumptions are built on indirect evidence, extrapolating findings from unrelated studies.
Lack of Control for Confounding Variables • The authors link melatonin deficiency, sleep disorders, immune system dysfunction, and oxidative stress to autism without fully accounting for other contributing genetic, environmental, or metabolic factors. • Autism is highly heterogeneous, and its causes are complex, but the article suggests a singular mechanism without thoroughly discussing multifactorial influences.
Correlation vs. Causation Fallacy • The article presents correlations between melatonin levels, pineal dysfunction, and autism but does not establish a causal link. • For example, reduced melatonin levels in autistic individuals could be a consequence rather than a cause of autism.
Overemphasis on Unproven Theories • The idea that endogenous DMT plays a significant role in cognition or autism remains highly debated, yet the article treats it as a viable hypothesis without strong empirical backing. • Claims about pineal gland DMT production are still under investigation, but the authors imply its functional role without definitive evidence.
Oversimplification of Complex Biological Mechanisms • Autism involves numerous genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors, yet the article narrows its focus primarily to melatonin and DMT. • Other neurotransmitter systems (e.g., dopamine, GABA, glutamate) that are well-documented in autism research are not discussed in depth.
Potential Conflict of Interest or Theoretical Bias • The authors may have a vested interest in promoting the pineal gland-DMT-autism hypothesis, either due to previous research affiliations or a preference for this explanation. • The framing of the discussion suggests an intent to encourage further research into their hypothesis rather than an unbiased review of existing literature.
Use of Non-Human Studies to Infer Human Effects • The article references studies on DMT in rats and fruit flies, but the relevance of these findings to human autism is unclear. • Extrapolating results from animal models to complex human conditions like autism is a common but problematic scientific pitfall.
Implicit Promotion of Melatonin as a Treatment • While melatonin supplementation may improve sleep in autistic individuals, the article subtly implies it could be a treatment for autism itself. • This is misleading, as melatonin does not address the core cognitive and behavioral aspects of autism.
While the article brings up interesting points about the potential role of the pineal gland in autism, it presents its hypothesis with a level of certainty that is not fully justified by the evidence. A more balanced approach would consider alternative mechanisms, address conflicting research, and avoid speculative leaps based on indirect evidence.
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u/kelcamer Feb 07 '23
If you're autistic and feel very in tune with the spiritual world, this is likely why