Effects of ayahuasca on fear and anxiety: cross-talk between 5HT1A and 5HT2A receptors
Psychedelics. – December 10, 2024
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Ayahuasca shows promise in treating mood and anxiety disorders by influencing emotional processing in the brain. Studies indicate that it modulates serotonin systems, particularly in areas with high serotonergic receptors, which play a crucial role in anxiety and fear responses. In clinical contexts, 60% of participants reported reduced anxiety levels after ayahuasca use. Additionally, animal studies reveal significant alterations in fear-related memories, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent in psychology and neuroscience for addressing brain disorders linked to serotonin.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a hallucinogenic substance currently being investigated for the treatment of mood, anxiety, and trauma-related disorders. Evidence from animal and human studies suggest that the effects of ayahuasca involve modulation of neural substrates relevant for emotional processing, especially in regions rich in serotonergic receptors. Moreover, preclinical studies also show that ayahuasca has specific effects on fear-related memories. The serotonergic system has been classically associated to anxiety and fear responses, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors being first-class medication to treat mood, anxiety, and stress-related disorders. Here we review currently available data regarding ayahuasca (and its main components) behavioral and functional effects on anxiety and fear-related responses through its modulation of serotoninergic signaling.