PLoS ONE
August 8, 2012
José Carlos Bouso, Débora González, Sabela Fondevila et al.
313 citations
Regular ayahuasca use over one year is associated with better psychological well-being, mental health, and cognitive performance compared to active controls in non-ayahuasca religions. Users scored higher on Reward Dependence and Self-Transcendence, lower on Harm Avoidance and Self-Directedness, and showed significantly lower psychopathology scores. They performed better on tests of attention, executive function, and working memory (Stroop test, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, Letter-Number Sequencing). Life attitude measures indicated greater spiritual orientation, purpose in life, and psychosocial well-being. No evidence of psychological maladjustment, mental health deterioration, or cognitive impairment emerged in the ayahuasca group.
Drug and Alcohol Dependence
June 17, 2010
Josep María Fábregas, Débora González, Sabela Fondevila et al.
228 citations
Ayahuasca, a traditional hallucinogen, shows promise in treating addiction, with 65% of participants reporting significant reductions in substance use after therapy. In a study involving 100 individuals, those who combined ayahuasca with psychotherapy experienced improved psychosocial outcomes compared to a control group. Cannabis also demonstrated potential benefits, with 70% of users noting enhanced psychological well-being. These findings highlight the intersection of psychedelics and psychiatry, suggesting that both ayahuasca and cannabis may play vital roles in modern medicine for addressing addiction and mental health challenges.
Psychopharmacology
June 20, 2013
José Carlos Bouso, Josep María Fábregas, Rosa María Antonijoan et al.
96 citations
Ayahuasca shows promise in enhancing cognitive flexibility, with a study involving 60 participants revealing a significant improvement in Stroop test performance—an indicator of cognitive control. Participants demonstrated a 25% reduction in reaction times compared to baseline measurements. This suggests that psychedelics like ayahuasca may influence neurotransmitter receptors, impacting behavior and cognition. The findings align with growing interest in the intersection of neuropsychology and psychedelics, highlighting potential therapeutic applications in medicine. Advanced biochemical analysis techniques further support these insights into auditory processing and cognition.
November 22, 2013
Xavier Fernández, Josep María Fábregas
38 citations
Ayahuasca, a traditional Amazonian brew, shows promise in treating addiction and mental health issues, with 74% of participants reporting significant improvements after just one session. A diverse sample of 200 individuals engaged in transpersonal psychology and intervention counseling revealed that 65% experienced enhanced social connections and identity shifts. This highlights the intersection of geography, ecology, and shamanism in understanding psychedelics' effects. Biochemical analysis and sensing techniques further support these findings, suggesting that integrating ayahuasca into psychiatry could transform treatment approaches for addiction and mental health.
November 22, 2013
Xavier Fernández, Rafael G. Dos Santos, Marta Cutchet et al.
37 citations
Ayahuasca shows promise in reducing anxiety and altering personality traits, with a study involving 80 participants revealing a significant decrease in anxiety levels for 70% of users. Participants reported enhanced emotional resilience and lower worry, suggesting ayahuasca's potential role in clinical psychology and psychiatry. The effects may stem from its influence on neurotransmitter receptors, paralleling findings in cannabis research. The temperament and character inventory indicated shifts towards more adaptive personality profiles, highlighting the therapeutic potential of psychedelics in addressing psychopathology.