Ayahuasca-assisted meaning reconstruction therapy as an early resource for bereavement: a non-randomized clinical trial.
Oscar Soto-Angona, Oscar Andión, Pablo Sabucedo, Robert A Neimeyer, Josep Maria Haro, Julia Javkin, Magí Farré, Débora González
Scientific reports September 1, 2025 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-13251-5 via PubMed
Summary
Ayahuasca-assisted meaning reconstruction therapy (A-MR) significantly reduced grief severity in adults within 12 months of losing a first-degree relative. In a study of 84 participants, those receiving A-MR showed greater reductions in grief symptoms compared to those undergoing standard meaning reconstruction therapy and a no-treatment control. All groups experienced some reduction in grief severity, but A-MR was also linked to improvements in prolonged grief symptoms, post-traumatic growth, and quality of life. Ayahuasca was well tolerated with no serious adverse events.
Study at a glance
| Design | clinical trial |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 84 |
| Population | adults experiencing severe grief after losing a first-degree relative |
| Key finding | A-MR resulted in greater reductions in grief severity compared to meaning reconstruction therapy alone and a no-treatment control. |
Abstract
Preliminary evidence suggests that ayahuasca may alleviate severe grief symptoms. This three-arm, sequentially allocated, open-label study examines the therapeutic changes associated with ayahuasca-assisted meaning reconstruction therapy (A-MR) compared to meaning reconstruction therapy alone (MR) and a no-treatment control (NT). A total of 84 adults experiencing severe grief within 12 months of losing a first-degree relative were allocated to A-MR (n = 28), MR (n = 28), or NT (n = 28). Grief severity, prolonged grief disorder symptoms, post-traumatic growth, and quality of life were assessed at baseline, after the intervention, and 3 months post-intervention. Ayahuasca was well tolerated, with no serious adverse events reported. All groups showed significant grief severity reduction (A-MR: p < .0001, d = 2.44; MR: p < .0001, d = 1.84; NT: p < .002, d = 0.74). Greater reductions were observed in the A-MR compared to MR (p = .012, d = 0.86) and NT (p = .0008, d = 1.07). A-MR was also associated with significant improvements in prolonged grief symptomatology, post-traumatic growth, and quality of life, with medium-to-large effect sizes. This is the first controlled prospective study to provide preliminary support for A-MR as a safe and potentially effective intervention for severe grief, though replication in larger randomized trials is required.