Ayahuasca’s Antidepressant Effects Covary with Behavioral Activation as Well as Mindfulness
Maha N. Mian, Brianna R. Altman, Mitch Earleywine
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs September 30, 2019 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2019.1674428 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational cohort Placebo-controlled Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 152 |
| Population | Individuals after an Ayahuasca experience |
| Intervention | Ayahuasca |
| Topics | Anxiety Ayahuasca Meditation |
| Keywords | Behavioral activation Antidepressant Depression economics Hallucinogen Clinical psychology Behavioral inhibition Behavioral neuroscience Placebo Cognition |
| Citations | 47 |
| Key findings | Behavioral activation was a stronger predictor of reduced depression than mindfulness after an Ayahuasca experience. |
Abstract
Ayahuasca, a plant-based hallucinogen that serves as a spiritual medicine in South America, has improved depression in at least one placebo-controlled clinical trial. Case studies suggest that dramatic behavioral changes often follow the Ayahuasca ceremony, but most explanations of antidepressant effects focus on changes in mindfulness. This study investigated whether both mindfulness and behavioral activation might contribute to these anti-depressant effects. We surveyed individuals (N = 152) about their changes in depressive symptoms, behavioral activation, and mindfulness after an Ayahuasca experience. Mindfulness was strongly associated with reduced depression severity (r = - .670, p r = - .474, p p p < .05). Changes in behavioral activation likely serve as a mechanism underlying Ayahuasca's antidepressant effects. Future clinical trials could benefit from tracking behavioral activation.