The therapeutic potential of ayahuasca in depression, generalized anxiety, and substance use disorders: modulation of the depressive burden in a longitudinal study.
Frontiers in psychiatry January 1, 2026 Gláucio Silva Camargos, Geraldo Magela De Faria Júnior, Marcelo Lourenço et al.
Over six months, depressive symptoms decreased significantly in 280 adults with depressive, anxiety, or substance use disorders after ritualistic ayahuasca use combined with psychotherapeutic support. Scores on the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale dropped shortly after the intervention and remained lower for up to 180 days, though individual responses varied. The findings suggest that ayahuasca-assisted therapy can reduce depression and anxiety and may help treat substance dependence. Variability in outcomes indicates that psychodynamic factors, including integration of the psychedelic experience and ongoing therapeutic support, are crucial for effectiveness. The work supports developing personalized psychedelic-assisted treatment protocols for complex psychiatric conditions.