Article Publish Status: FREE
Abstract Title:

Antidepressant effects of a single dose of ayahuasca in patients with recurrent depression: a preliminary report.

Abstract Source:

Rev Bras Psiquiatr. 2015 Jan-Mar;37(1):13-20. PMID: 25806551

Abstract Author(s):

Flávia de L Osório, Rafael F Sanches, Ligia R Macedo, Rafael G dos Santos, João P Maia-de-Oliveira, Lauro Wichert-Ana, Draulio B de Araujo, Jordi Riba, José A Crippa, Jaime E Hallak

Article Affiliation:

Flávia de L Osório

Abstract:

OBJECTIVES: Ayahuasca (AYA), a natural psychedelic brew prepared from Amazonian plants and rich in dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and harmine, causes effects of subjective well-being and may therefore have antidepressant actions. This study sought to evaluate the effects of a single dose of AYA in six volunteers with a current depressive episode.

METHODS: Open-label trial conducted in an inpatient psychiatric unit.

RESULTS: Statistically significant reductions of up to 82% in depressive scores were observed between baseline and 1, 7, and 21 days after AYA administration, as measured on the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D), the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), and the Anxious-Depression subscale of the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS). AYA administration resulted in nonsignificant changes in Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) scores and in the thinking disorder subscale of the BPRS, suggesting that AYA does not induce episodes of mania and/or hypomania in patients with mood disorders and that modifications in thought content, which could indicate psychedelic effects, are not essential for mood improvement.

CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that AYA has fast-acting anxiolytic and antidepressant effects in patients with a depressive disorder.

Study Type : Human Study

Print Options


Key Research Topics

This website is for information purposes only. By providing the information contained herein we are not diagnosing, treating, curing, mitigating, or preventing any type of disease or medical condition. Before beginning any type of natural, integrative or conventional treatment regimen, it is advisable to seek the advice of a licensed healthcare professional.

© Copyright 2008-2024 GreenMedInfo.com, Journal Articles copyright of original owners, MeSH copyright NLM.