An exploratory study of experiences with conventional eating disorder treatment and ceremonial ayahuasca for the healing of eating disorders.
Marika Renelli, Jenna Fletcher, Kenneth W. Tupper, Natasha Files, Anya Loizaga-Velder, Adele Lafrance
Eating and Weight Disorders - Studies on Anorexia Bulimia and Obesity April 1, 2020 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-018-0619-6 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative descriptive study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 13 |
| Population | Individuals previously diagnosed with an eating disorder |
| Interventions | ceremonial ayahuasca drinking conventional eating disorder treatment |
| Topics | Ayahuasca |
| Keywords | Adjunctive treatment Eating disorder Psychedelics Psychotherapy Traditional medicine |
| Citations | 76 |
| Key findings | Ayahuasca was associated with rapid reductions in eating disorder thoughts and symptoms, healing of the perceived root of the disorder, processing of painful feelings and memories, increased self-love and self-acceptance, and spiritual healing. |
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a traditional Amazonian medicine that is currently being researched for its potential in treating a variety of mental disorders. This article reports on exploratory qualitative research relating to participant experiences with ceremonial ayahuasca drinking and conventional treatment for eating disorders (EDs). It also explores the potential for ayahuasca as an adjunctive ED treatment. Thirteen individuals previously diagnosed with an ED participated in a semi-structured interview contrasting their experiences with conventional ED treatment with experiences from ceremonial ayahuasca. The interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. Participant reports were organized with key themes including that ayahuasca: led to rapid reductions in ED thoughts and symptoms; allowed for the healing of the perceived root of the ED; helped to process painful feelings and memories; supported the internalization of greater self-love and self-acceptance; and catalyzed spiritual elements of healing. The results suggest that ayahuasca may have potential as a valuable therapeutic tool, and further research-including carefully controlled clinical trials-is warranted. Level V, qualitative descriptive study.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on ayahuasca, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| The antipodes Of the mind Indigenous people, shamans, members of different religious sects using Ayahuasca, and... | 2002 | Qualitative study | |
| Drug Tourism or Spiritual Healing? Ayahuasca Seekers in Amazonia Westerners participating in an ayahuasca retreat in Amazonia | 2005 | Qualitative study | |
| Therapeutic Effects of Ritual Ayahuasca Use in the Treatment of Substance Dependence—Qualitative Results Therapists, expert researchers, and individuals who underwent ayahuasca-assisted... | 2014 | Qualitative study | n = 29 |
| Nourishing the Spirit: Exploratory Research on Ayahuasca Experiences along the Continuum of Recovery from Eating Disorders Individuals previously diagnosed with an eating disorder | 2017 | Qualitative study | n = 16 |
| Exploring ayahuasca‐assisted therapy for addiction: A qualitative analysis of preliminary findings among an Indigenous community in Canada Indigenous adults in Canada who participated in ayahuasca-assisted ceremonial retreats | 2019 | Qualitative study | n = 11 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 58
- Psychedelic Treatments for Psychiatric Disorders: A Systematic Review and Thematic Synthesis of Patient Experiences in Qualitative Studies CNS Drugs August 17, 2020
- Does Psychedelic Therapy Have a Transdiagnostic Action and Prophylactic Potential? Frontiers in Psychiatry July 19, 2021
- The acute effects of classic psychedelics on memory in humans Psychopharmacology January 9, 2021
- MDMA-assisted therapy significantly reduces eating disorder symptoms in a randomized placebo-controlled trial of adults with severe PTSD. Journal of Psychiatric Research May 1, 2022
- Study Protocol for “Psilocybin as a Treatment for Anorexia Nervosa: A Pilot Study” Frontiers in Psychiatry October 20, 2021
and 53 more in the library
Cites 23
- Human hallucinogen research: guidelines for safety. Journal of Psychopharmacology July 1, 2008
- Psychedelics Promote Structural and Functional Neural Plasticity Cell Reports June 1, 2018
- Mystical-type experiences occasioned by psilocybin mediate the attribution of personal meaning and spiritual significance 14 months later Journal of Psychopharmacology May 30, 2008
- Rapid antidepressant effects of the psychedelic ayahuasca in treatment-resistant depression: a randomized placebo-controlled trial Psychological Medicine June 15, 2018
- Set and setting, psychedelics and the placebo response: An extra-pharmacological perspective on psychopharmacology Journal of Psychopharmacology November 16, 2016
and 18 more in the library