Ayahuasca, a psychedelic plant brew from the Amazon made from Banisteriopsis caapi vine and a DMT-containing plant like Psychotria viridis, has attracted growing interest since the year 2000. This review covers its history, pharmacology, and the phenomenological responses it produces. Anecdotal reports range from positive to accounts of physical and psychological harm. The authors discuss effects on personality and mental health, and examine phenomenological analyses of the experience. They conclude that ayahuasca is a promising psychedelic agent deserving more empirical research into its neurochemical mechanisms and potential therapeutic use.
Adults who attended ayahuasca retreats in Peru reported fewer symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity afterward, regardless of retreat length or number of ceremonies. In an exploratory pilot study, 49 adults completed the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale before and after retreats lasting 8 days to 4 weeks. Scores for inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, and total symptoms all dropped significantly. Only four participants had a prior ADHD diagnosis. The findings suggest ayahuasca may be associated with reductions in core ADHD features, but controlled trials are needed to confirm causality.