A history of childhood trauma does not increase the risk of having a challenging experience during acute ayahuasca effects, nor does it affect posttraumatic growth afterward. In a survey of 231 adults (average age 40, 48% women), those with childhood trauma histories reported no more adverse or challenging experiences during ayahuasca use than those without such histories. Additionally, the degree of challenge during the acute experience was not linked to greater ayahuasca-related posttraumatic growth. These findings suggest that childhood trauma exposure may not carry the same risk for poor treatment response to ayahuasca as it does for other interventions.
A 12-week mindfulness-based intervention (TARA) in healthy adolescents aged 14–18 increased white matter connectivity in interoceptive brain networks, including the right insula and right putamen. These brain changes were linked to improved sleep quality and emotional well-being. The intervention was delivered remotely and showed high feasibility and safety. The TARA group, but not controls, had significantly better sleep quality and increased insula node strength associated with emotional well-being. A white matter interoception network strengthened after TARA. The findings suggest TARA may improve psychological health in adolescents by enhancing structural connectivity in interoceptive regions.