Journal of Psychoactive Drugs
September 12, 2017
Adèle Lafrance, Anja Loizaga-Velder, Jenna Fletcher et al.
126 citations
Ayahuasca, a psychoactive plant-based tea used by Amazonian indigenous groups, may help heal eating disorders (EDs). In interviews with 16 people previously diagnosed with an ED, those who drank ayahuasca in a ceremonial setting reported reduced or stopped ED and mental health symptoms, shifts in body perception, and valued the ceremonial context and after-care. The preparatory diet sometimes triggered familiar concerns, but the ayahuasca purge did not trigger ED behaviors. The findings suggest ayahuasca warrants further research as a treatment for EDs.
Eating and weight disorders : EWD
April 1, 2020
Marika Renelli, Jenna Fletcher, Kenneth W Tupper et al.
76 citations
Ayahuasca, a traditional Amazonian medicine, is being studied for mental health treatment. In this qualitative study, 13 people previously diagnosed with an eating disorder described their experiences with ceremonial ayahuasca and conventional treatment. Thematic analysis of interviews revealed that ayahuasca was associated with rapid reductions in eating disorder thoughts and symptoms, helped heal the perceived root of the disorder, processed painful feelings and memories, fostered self-love and self-acceptance, and catalyzed spiritual healing. The findings suggest ayahuasca may have potential as an adjunctive therapeutic tool, warranting further controlled clinical trials.
medRxiv
February 15, 2023
Victoria di Virgilio, Amir Minerbi, Jenna Fletcher et al.
1 citation
preprint
Veterans who used psychedelic medicines for non-recreational therapeutic purposes reported improvements in medical and mental health conditions, social interaction, spirituality, and overall function. Analysis of 93 comments from 65 civilian or military veterans identified themes including mysticism and spirituality, functional improvement and self-awareness, social connection and cultural impact, and impact on medical and mental health conditions, as well as neutral impressions and difficult experiences. The findings suggest that psychedelic use is associated with multidimensional wellness improvements beyond the absence of disease, reflecting dynamic interactions with personal, psychophysiological, and socio-environmental factors.