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Ana María Ortiz Bernal

University of Wisconsin–Madison

4 papers in the library · 55 citations · publishing 2020-2025

Papers

Reactivations after 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine use in naturalistic settings: An initial exploratory analysis of the phenomenon’s predictors and its emotional valence

Frontiers in Psychiatry November 29, 2022 Ana María Ortiz Bernal, Charles L. Raison, Rafael Lancelotta et al. 26 citations

Reactivations—similar to flashbacks—are common after using the psychedelic 5-MeO-DMT and are often neutral or positive rather than distressing. Analysis of survey data from 513 people who used 5-MeO-DMT outside clinical settings found that women, older age at first dose, higher education, and dosing in a structured group setting were linked to higher odds of reporting a reactivation. Higher mystical experience scores, greater personal wellbeing, and having had a non-substance-induced non-dual awareness experience were associated with neutral or positive emotional valence of the reactivation. The findings suggest reactivations are typically a benign byproduct of the experience, but more research is needed to identify those at risk for negative reactivations.

A comparison of reactivation experiences following vaporization and intramuscular injection (IM) of synthetic 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) in a naturalistic setting

Journal of Psychedelic Studies March 25, 2020 Malin V. Uthaug, Rafael Lancelotta, Ana María Ortiz Bernal et al. 25 citations

Among 27 respondents who used the psychedelic drug 5-MeO-DMT, those who received it by intramuscular injection (IM) reported a lower rate of reactivations (21%) compared to those who vaporized it (69%). The IM group also required fewer redoses, experienced release of physical tension more consistently, and had a slower onset of acute effects (1–6 minutes) versus the vaporization group (1–50 seconds). These findings suggest that the route of administration influences the frequency of reactivations, dosing patterns, physical sensations, and the timing of the drug's effects.

Translation and Initial Psychometric Evaluation of Spanish Versions of Three Psychedelic Acute Effects Measures: Mystical, Challenging, and Insight Experiences

Journal of Psychoactive Drugs July 14, 2023 Christopher Timmermann, Aki Nikolaidis, Alan K. Davis et al. 4 citations

Spanish translations of three questionnaires measuring acute psychedelic effects—the Psychological Insight Questionnaire (PIQ), Challenging Experiences Questionnaire (CEQ), and Mystical Experiences Questionnaire (MEQ)—showed good psychometric properties in a sample of 442 native Spanish speakers. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed that the factor structures matched the original English versions, and this consistency held across subgroups who had used LSD or psilocybin. Construct validity was supported by positive associations between the PIQ and MEQ and between these measures and changes in cognitive fusion, alongside negative associations with changes in prosocial behaviors. Predictive validity was indicated by strong relationships between persisting effects and scores on the MEQ and PIQ. The Spanish versions can be reliably used in research with Spanish-speaking populations.

Qualitative insights into psilocybin and LSD experiences: Enhanced connection and emotion processing reported by Spanish-speaking survey respondents

Psychedelics November 15, 2025 Meghan DellaCrosse, Shoval Gilead, Rafael Lancelotta et al.

Spanish-speaking individuals who had a memorable psilocybin or LSD experience reported two main themes: deep connection (to nature, others, the present moment, and the substance) and emotion-related experiences (from joy and peace to emotional processing, catharsis, and challenging experiences). The findings are based on a secondary qualitative analysis of open-ended survey responses from 379 Spanish-speaking participants. Similarities appeared across both substances, with some unique nuances. The work underscores the need for diverse populations in psychedelic research to improve generalizability and cultural relevance, and highlights the therapeutic potential of psychedelics while calling for culturally sensitive tools.