Long-term effects of ayahuasca in patients with recurrent depression: a 5-year qualitative follow-up
Rev. psiquiatr. clín. (São Paulo)
; 45(1): 22-24, Jan.-Feb. 2018. tab
Article
in English
| LILACS
| ID: biblio-1438577
Responsible library:
BR1.1
ABSTRACT
Background Ayahuasca is a botanical hallucinogenic preparation traditionally used by indigenous populations of Northwestern Amazonian countries for ritual and therapeutic purposes. It is rich in β-carboline alkaloids and N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT). Preclinical, observational, and experimental studies suggest that ayahuasca and its alkaloids have anxiolytic and antidepressive effects. We recently reported in an open-label trial that ayahuasca administration was associated with significant decreases in depression symptoms for 2-3 weeks after the experimental session in 17 patients with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder. Objectives To investigate if the experiment had any long-lasting effects on patients Methods Eight patients were interviewed 4 to 7 years after ayahuasca intake. Results Our results suggest that ayahuasca was well tolerated and that symptom reductions were limited to a few weeks. Importantly, most patients believed that the experience was among the most important of their lives, even 4-7 years later. Discussion To the best of our knowledge, this is the first long-term follow-up of a clinical sample that participated in an ayahuasca trial. Further studies with different and repeated dosing should be designed to further explore the antidepressive and anxiolytic effects of ayahuasca.
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
LILACS
Main subject:
Banisteriopsis
/
Depression
Type of study:
Observational study
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Prognostic study
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Qualitative research
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Risk factors
Limits:
Adult
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Female
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Humans
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Male
Language:
English
Journal:
Rev. psiquiatr. clín. (São Paulo)
Year:
2018
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Brazil
Institution/Affiliation country:
University of São Paulo/BR