Effects of ayahuasca on mental health and quality of life in naïve users: A longitudinal and cross-sectional study combination
José Carlos Bouso, Daniel Jiménez‐garrido, María de Lourdes Gómez-sousa, Genís Ona, Rafael G. Dos Santos, Jaime E. C. Hallak, Miguel Ángel Alcázar‐córcoles
Scientific Reports March 5, 2020 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-61169-x (opens in new tab) via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractAyahuasca, a hallucinogenic decoction used in traditional Amazonian medicine, may have therapeutic benefits for psychiatric disorders. In a study of 40 first-time users, nearly half (45%) initially met criteria for a psychiatric disorder; after ayahuasca use, more than 80% of those showed clinical improvements that persisted at 6 months. Questionnaires indicated significant reductions in depression and psychopathology. Long-term users (n=23) had lower depression scores and higher self-transcendence and quality of life compared to first-time users. The authors suggest further controlled and observational studies are warranted to assess risks and benefits.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Observational study Longitudinal Cross-sectional Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 63 |
| Population | Ayahuasca users (first-time and long-term) |
| Intervention | Ayahuasca |
| Duration | 6-month follow-up |
| Topics | Ayahuasca |
| Keywords | Psychopathology Depression economics Observational study Hallucinogen |
| Citations | 111 |
| Key finding | Ayahuasca use was associated with clinical improvements in psychiatric symptoms and lower depression scores in both short-term and long-term users. |
Abstract
Abstract Ayahuasca is a hallucinogenic decoction used as a traditional medicine in several Amazonian regions. The ritualistic use of ayahuasca has spread throughout many countries, making it necessary to study its risks and benefits. Two sub-studies were designed for this investigation. In sub-study 1, a psychiatric interview and a battery of questionnaires were administered to subjects (n = 40) before their first ayahuasca use. Two follow-ups were conducted at 1 and 6 months. In sub-study 2, the same interview and battery of questionnaires were administered to long-term ayahuasca users (n = 23) and their scores were compared with those of the ayahuasca-naïve group. In the first assessment, nearly half (45%) of the naïve users were found to meet the diagnostic criteria for a psychiatric disorder. After the ayahuasca use, more than 80% of those subjects showed clinical improvements that persisted at 6 months. The questionnaires showed significant reductions in depression and psychopathology. Regarding sub-study 2, long-term users showed lower depression scores, and higher scores for self-transcendence and quality of life, as compared to their peers in sub-study 1. Further controlled and observational naturalistic studies assessing the eventual risks and potential benefits of ayahuasca are warranted.