Ayahuasca use and reported effects on depression and anxiety symptoms: An international cross-sectional study of 11,912 consumers
Journal of Affective Disorders Reports February 6, 2021 Jerome Sarris, Daniel Perkins, Lachlan Cribb et al. 72 citations
Among 1,571 people who reported depression and 1,125 who reported anxiety at the time of consuming ayahuasca, 78% of those with depression said their symptoms were 'very much' improved (46%) or 'completely resolved' (32%), while 70% of those with anxiety reported 'very much' improvement (54%) or complete resolution (16%). Greater improvement was linked to mystical experiences, more ayahuasca sessions, and personal psychological insights. A small minority—2.7% with depression and 4.5% with anxiety—reported worsened symptoms. The authors note this cross-sectional survey cannot establish treatment efficacy and call for randomized controlled trials.