npj Mental Health Research
September 10, 2026
Lucas V. M. Cruz, Marcio S. C. Longo, Rafael Rodrigues et al.
Abstract This observational survey study investigated the relationship between prior ayahuasca experience and mental health and mindset outcomes. Participants planning to attend an ayahuasca ceremony completed a survey before their upcoming ayahuasca use. Measures included substance use, depression, anxiety, stress, spiritual well-being, aberrant salience, and metaphysical beliefs. Participants...
Journal of Clinical Psychology
June 15, 2026
Lucas Cruz, Fernando R. Beserra, Julia M.k. Freind et al.
Recent studies have shown promising results for psychedelics in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Both in clinical and recreational settings, contextual elements, such as music, can influence the experience of users and may be linked to positive outcomes. This systematic review identifies how music is being selected and used in psychedelisc-assisted psychotherapy (PAP). The search adopted...
Clinical Therapeutics
June 1, 2026
Anna Luiza Guimarães, Fernando R. Beserra, Lucas Cruz et al.
PURPOSE: The interest in psychedelics for health-related purposes has grown significantly over the past decade. However, there is an insufficient representation of stakeholders (eg, Indigenous groups, activists, policymakers) in discussions about research and regulation. Many psychedelics originate from traditional practices historically developed in low- and middle-income countries, but these...
Scientific Reports
November 10, 2023
Lucas Cruz, Bheatrix Bienemann, Fernanda Palhano-Fontes et al.
3 citations
Ayahuasca is a brew with psychoactive properties that has been used as an entheogen for centuries, with more recent studies suggesting it is a promising treatment for some clinical disorders. Although there is an emerging scientific literature on its effects, to the best of our knowledge no study has explored the self-reported experiences of first-time ayahuasca users with quantitative textual...