European Psychiatry
April 1, 2021
R. Pinilla, Carmen Rocamora Rodriguez, D. Batet-Sanchez et al.
3 citations
Ayahuasca shows potential therapeutic benefits for dependencies, anxiety, depression, and near-death experiences in terminal illness, based on a literature review. It induces an introspective state that promotes reflection and new perspectives, described by users as similar to psychotherapy. Neuropharmacologically, 5HT2A agonists stimulate genes linked to neuronal plasticity and cognitive functions; MAOIs and 5HT2A agonism have anxiolytic and antidepressant effects; sigma-1 agonism promotes neuroplasticity. Decreased alcohol and cocaine consumption and remission have been reported. Significant decreases in depressive symptoms were found in observational studies, case-controls, and a double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Improvements on mindfulness scales similar to meditators suggest an association between mindfulness and ayahuasca experiences. More studies with larger samples are needed.
Libro Comunicaciones
January 1, 2020
R. Pinilla, Psicologa Clara Rodriguez, Diana Batet et al.
Ayahuasca shows potential therapeutic benefits for substance dependence, anxiety, depression, near-death experiences, and terminal illness, based on a review of neuropharmacological and clinical evidence. It induces an introspective state with autobiographical memories, promoting new perspectives. Users often compare it to psychotherapy. Agonists of 5HT2A stimulate genes for transcription factors and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), influencing neuronal plasticity, memory, and attention. MAO inhibition and 5HT2A agonism produce anxiolytic and antidepressant effects; sigma-1 agonism promotes neuroplasticity. Neuroimaging shows activation in the left amygdala and parahippocampal gyrus, involved in emotional processing and memory. Studies report reduced alcohol and cocaine use, and decreased depressive symptoms (HAM-D, MADRS, BPRS) in patients with depression, from observational, case-control, and double-blind placebo-controlled trials with limited patients. Improvements in mindfulness domains suggest a link between mindfulness and ayahuasca experiences.