Ayahuasca's antidepressant effects covary with behavioral activation as well as mindfulness
January 1, 2019 DOI: 10.54014/1c38-bn99 via OpenAlex
Summary
Ayahuasca experiences are associated with significant reductions in depression severity, primarily through increased mindfulness and behavioral activation. In a survey of 152 individuals, mindfulness showed a strong negative correlation with depression (r = -.670), while behavioral activation had a moderate link (r = -.474). Changes in depressive symptoms were confirmed through established questionnaires, indicating that enhancing positive activities may improve Ayahuasca's antidepressant effects.
Study at a glance
| Sample size | 152 |
|---|---|
| Population | individuals who experienced Ayahuasca ceremonies |
| Key finding | Mindfulness and behavioral activation are important mechanisms contributing to the antidepressant effects of Ayahuasca. |
Abstract
Ayahuasca, a plant-based hallucinogen that serves as a spiritual medicine in South America, has improved depression in at least one placebo-controlled clinical trial. Case studies suggest that dramatic behavioral changes often follow the Ayahuasca ceremony, but most explanations of antidepressant effects focus on observed changes in mindfulness. The present study investigated if both mindfulness and behavioral activation might also contribute to these anti-depressant effects. We surveyed individuals (N = 152) about their changes in depressive symptoms, Behavioral Activation, and mindfulness after an Ayahuasca experience. Mindfulness was strongly associated with reduced depression severity (r = -.670, p < .001), while behavioral activation was moderately linked (r = -.474, p < .001). Changes in depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiological Sciences Depression Short Form [CES-D-10]) covaried with subscales from the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire [FFMQ] and Experiences Questionnaire [EQ], confirming previous findings (beta = -.57, [95% CI (- 5.70) - (- 3.25)], p < .001). In addition, a modification of the Behavioral Activation for Depression Scale-Short Form [BADS-SF] accounted for significant unique variance in the improvements in depression (beta = -.16, [95% CI (-6.32) - (-0.08)], p < .05). These results suggest that changes in behavioral activation likely serve as an important mechanism underlying Ayahuasca’s antidepressant effects. Future clinical trials could benefit from tracking behavioral activation. In addition, a concerted focus on increasing valued, positive activities might enhance Ayahuasca’s anti-depressant effects.