2 results for "Meta-analysis: what did research on altered states of consciousness find in april 2026?"

Ayahuasca Therapy: Possible Reduction of Suicidal Ideation in Treatment-Resistant Depression - A Systematic Review.

Journal of psychoactive drugs April 23, 2026 Brayan Jonas Mano-Sousa, Maria Clara Gama Fontes, Ana Clara Anacleto Gonçalves et al.

In people with treatment-resistant depression, ayahuasca—a traditional Amazonian psychedelic—rapidly reduces suicidal thoughts and depressive symptoms. A systematic review of five studies found consistent evidence of these effects, attributed to the synergistic action of β-carbolines and DMT. Neurobiologically, ayahuasca promotes neuroplasticity by upregulating Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and decreasing Default Mode Network activity, enabling profound introspection and emotional processing. Despite promising results, large-scale, rigorous longitudinal studies are needed to establish safe clinical guidelines.

DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2026.2661580 Full text DMT Ayahuasca Neuroplasticity Psychedelic therapy +2

Symmetrical Global Mental Health (Sym-GMH): Ayahuasca and shipibo traditional medicine for lasting changes in personality and quality of life

Psychedelics April 20, 2026 José Carlos Bouso, Óscar Andión, Jordi Cantillo et al.

A 12-month study of 264 Western participants who attended Shipibo-led ayahuasca retreats in the Peruvian Amazon found lasting psychological improvements. Neuroticism and Openness to Experience decreased, while Extraversion increased. Quality of life improved across all measured domains, and decentering capacities increased with moderate to high effect sizes. Most participants (91.7%) reported long-term benefits, primarily in spiritual well-being, mental health, and personal growth. Adverse effects were minimal (2.3%). Higher baseline psychological distress was associated with higher Neuroticism and lower decentering, suggesting that enhancing decentering may serve as a resilience factor. The findings support ethical, non-extractive integration of traditional Amazonian practices into global mental health frameworks.

DOI: 10.1016/j.psyche.2026.100018 Ayahuasca Global mental health Personality Quality philosophy +5