PLOS mental health
January 1, 2025
Óscar Andión, José Carlos Bouso, Jerome J Sarris et al.
1 citation
Ayahuasca, a traditional Amazonian decoction, is being studied for mental health benefits, but its adverse effects are not well understood. An analysis of 10,836 participants from the Global Ayahuasca Survey found that 14.2% had a prior anxiety disorder and 19.7% a depressive disorder, yet their median mental health score (SF-12) was 50.16, comparable to the general population. A history of anxiety or depression was linked to more adverse mental states after use. However, experiences like visual distortions and higher ayahuasca use correlated with better mental health. Women reported more adverse states but no worsened mental health.
February 14, 2022
Daniel Perkins, Simon Ruffell, Kimberley Day et al.
1 citation
preprint
Ayahuasca, a psychoactive Amazonian brew containing harmala alkaloids and DMT, is increasingly used globally in traditional and neo-shamanic settings. This paper reviews existing literature and original data from the Global Ayahuasca Project, the largest cross-sectional study of ayahuasca drinkers, to propose a model of psychotherapeutic processes leading to mental health benefits. The model identifies five key processes: somatic effects; introspection and emotional processing; increased self-connection, value, and love; increased spiritual connection; and gaining insights and new perspectives. Differences from other classic psychedelics are noted, and the model aims to improve therapeutic use and optimize clinical treatment models.
Journal of clinical psychopharmacology
Vagner Deuel de O Tavares, Kaike Thiê da Costa Gonçalves, Maria Luiza de Morais Barros et al.
1 citation
A meta-analysis of eleven studies found no significant correlation between the psychoactive (psychomimetic) effects of ketamine and clinical outcomes in mental illness, including depression. The overall correlation was r = 0.06, and for depression specifically r = 0.03, both non-significant. Sub-analyses accounting for patient disorders, intravenous administration, assessment instruments, and timing also yielded no significant findings. High heterogeneity was present. The analysis suggests that altered states of consciousness during ketamine sessions are not directly linked to clinical outcomes, but the limited number of studies and heterogeneity make this conclusion preliminary.
Scientific reports
November 20, 2025
Daniel Perkins, Andreas Halman, Anna Urokohara et al.
Acute subjective experiences induced by psychedelics, particularly mystical experiences, are linked to therapeutic benefits such as reduced depression, anxiety, and addiction. This study assessed a purified encapsulated DMT-harmala alkaloid product in 17 dosing sessions with 9 healthy volunteers. Strong positive correlations were found between total dose and scores on mystical experience questionnaires (MEQ-30 and SIME). The formulation reliably produced intense subjective experiences, exceeding those reported in most naturalistic ayahuasca studies, and these experiences were robustly associated with beneficial persisting psychological effects. The findings suggest this formulation warrants further clinical trials to evaluate its therapeutic potential and safety.
Psychedelics as Psychiatric Medications
March 1, 2023
Daniel Perkins, Simon G. D. Ruffell, Jerome Sarris
Ayahuasca, a psychedelic plant brew from the Amazon basin, is made from the ayahuasca vine (Banisteriopsis caapi) and DMT-containing leaves like chacruna (Psychotria viridis). Its harmala alkaloids act as MAOIs, preventing DMT breakdown, while DMT modulates serotonin and dopamine signaling. Used for centuries by indigenous tribes for healing, recent research suggests effectiveness for depression, anxiety, and addiction. Interest has surged, with many 'ayahuasca tourists' seeking treatment, and clinical research raises ethical issues around medicalization.