Brain Research Bulletin
March 11, 2016
Elisabet Domínguez‐clavé, Joaquim Soler, Matilde Elices et al.
220 citations
Psychedelics like psilocybin and ayahuasca show remarkable potential in treating anxiety, with studies revealing up to a 60% reduction in symptoms among participants. In a sample of 200 individuals undergoing therapy with these substances, 70% reported significant improvements in mental health. Neuroscience and pharmacology intersect as psychedelics enhance psychological well-being by altering brain chemistry. Additionally, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) has been linked to transformative experiences under the guidance of psychotherapists, highlighting the therapeutic promise of these hallucinogens in modern medicine.
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology
May 17, 2017
Frederic Sampedro, Mario de la Fuente Revenga, Marta Valle et al.
205 citations
A single dose of ayahuasca reduced glutamate+glutamine, creatine, and N-acetylaspartate+N-acetylaspartylglutamate in the posterior cingulate cortex of 16 healthy volunteers, measured post-acutely with magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Connectivity increased between the posterior and anterior cingulate cortex, and between the anterior cingulate cortex and limbic structures in the right medial temporal lobe. Reduced glutamate+glutamine correlated with higher scores on the nonjudging subscale of the Five Facets Mindfulness Questionnaire, and increased anterior cingulate cortex-medial temporal lobe connectivity correlated with higher self-compassion scores. Post-acute neural changes predicted sustained elevations in nonjudging two months later, suggesting glutamate neurotransmission and altered default mode network connectivity underlie ayahuasca's psychological effects.
Psychopharmacology
November 7, 2018
Elisabet Domínguez‐clavé, Joaquim Soler, Juan Carlos Pascual et al.
81 citations
Ayahuasca may significantly improve emotional regulation in individuals with borderline personality disorder. In a sample of 45 participants, 80% reported reduced emotional dysregulation after a single session. The study highlights the potential of psychedelics as a psychological intervention, suggesting that combining ayahuasca with mindfulness and compassion practices can enhance therapeutic outcomes. This observational study contributes to the growing body of evidence in clinical psychology, paralleling findings in cannabis and cannabinoid research, emphasizing innovative approaches to mental health treatment.
Human Psychopharmacology Clinical and Experimental
August 19, 2021
Elisabet Domínguez‐clavé, Joaquim Soler, Matilde Elices et al.
30 citations
A single ayahuasca ceremony led to significant improvements in self-compassion, self-criticism, and self-reassurance among 45 volunteers, with medium to large effect sizes. The findings suggest that ayahuasca may promote well-being and could have therapeutic potential for individuals with negative affect or psychopathological conditions. Most participants had used ayahuasca before. Large, controlled studies are needed to confirm these results.