Therapeutic potential of ayahuasca in grief: a prospective, observational study
Psychopharmacology – January 14, 2020
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Ayahuasca ceremonies significantly reduce grief severity over time, with a notable effect size of 1.39 after 12 months among 50 bereaved participants. Initial assessments revealed high levels of grief, but follow-ups showed consistent improvement: Cohen’s d values of 0.84 at 15 days and 1.38 at three months. Key mechanisms, experiential avoidance and decentering, were linked to these reductions, indicating that engaging with emotions can enhance healing. This highlights ayahuasca's potential in clinical psychology for addressing complicated grief and depression.
Abstract
Abstract Rationale Recent studies have assessed the therapeutic potential of ayahuasca for the treatment of depression with promising preliminary results . Objectives Here, we examine the course of grief over 1 year of follow-up in a bereaved sample that attended a center in Peru to participate in indigenous Shipibo ayahuasca ceremonies. We also explore the roles of experiential avoidance and decentering as mechanisms of change. Methods Bereaved participants who attended the ayahuasca center responded to an online survey that included the Texas Revised Inventory of Grief, Symptom Assessment-45, WHO Quality of Life-Bref, Acceptance and Action Questionnaire, and Decentering. Baseline assessment was completed by 50 individuals (T0). Of these, 39 completed the post-assessment at 15 days (T1), 31 at 3 months (T2), 29 at 6 months (T3), and 27 at 12 months (T4) after leaving the retreat. Pearson’s analysis was performed to examine the relationship between the severity of grief and mechanisms of change during the period of T0 and T1. Results A significant decrease in Texas Revised Inventory was observed at all time points (T1: Cohen’s d = 0.84; T2: Cohen’s d = 1.38; T3: Cohen’s d = 1.16; T4: Cohen’s d = 1.39). We found a relationship between experiential avoidance ( r = 0.55; p < .01), decentering ( r = − 0.47; p < .01), and a reduction in the severity of grief. Conclusions Our results suggest that the ceremonial use of ayahuasca has therapeutic value by reducing the severity of grief. Acceptance and decentering are both psychological processes that mediate the improvement of grief symptoms.