ISSN 1516-4446
13 papers in the library · 996 citations · publishing 2010-2026
Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry March 1, 2015 Flávia de Lima Osório, Rafael Faria Sanches, Ligia Ribeiro Horta de Macedo et al. 486 citations
A single dose of ayahuasca produces fast-acting reductions in anxiety and depression symptoms in people diagnosed with a depressive disorder.
Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry March 1, 2016 Rafael G. Dos Santos, Flávia de Lima Osório, José Alexandre S. Crippa et al. 158 citations
Ayahuasca and its alkaloids show promise as potential treatments for anxiety and depression, offering a possible alternative to current drugs that often have adverse effects. The abstract calls for further investigation into these compounds to develop more effective and safer therapies.
Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry March 1, 2010 Jaime E. C. Hallak, João Paulo Machado‐de‐Sousa, José Alexandre S. Crippa et al. 122 citations
A single dose of cannabidiol (CBD) does not improve selective attention in people with schizophrenia, and higher doses may worsen performance. In a study of 28 patients, those given 600 mg of CBD performed worse on the Stroop Color Word Test than those given 300 mg or placebo, while all groups showed some improvement from practice. No differences were found in electrodermal responses to sounds. The authors suggest that chronic CBD administration might still be beneficial, but acute treatment appears ineffective for cognitive symptoms.
Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry October 30, 2020 Ícaro Durante, Rafael G. Dos Santos, José Carlos Bouso et al. 49 citations
A small fraction of participants experienced lasting negative effects from ayahuasca use. Taking psychiatric medication during ayahuasca ceremonies did not raise the risk of adverse effects. The safety practices of the institution appear adequate to prevent severe reactions. Future research should investigate those who are negatively affected.
Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry November 21, 2018 Flávia S. Da Silva, Erick Allan Dos Santos Silva, Geovan Menezes de Sousa et al. 46 citations
In a juvenile marmoset model of depression, a single dose of ayahuasca reversed stress-induced hypocortisolemia within 24 hours, reduced stereotypic scratching in males, increased feeding in males, and restored body weight in both sexes, with behavioral effects lasting up to 14 days. Saline vehicle did not produce these effects. The findings suggest ayahuasca may have rapid and sustained antidepressant properties, supporting further research into psychedelics for early-onset depression.
Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry July 3, 2020 Simon Ruffell, Nige Netzband, Catherine Bird et al. 43 citations
Ayahuasca, a South American psychoactive plant brew used in traditional spiritual and cultural rituals, has been studied primarily for the prevention of deamination of N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) by monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) in the brew. Two constituents, DMT and harmine, have received more research attention than secondary harmala alkaloids. Current evidence suggests that the pharmacological interactions in ayahuasca may act synergistically or additively to produce psychoactive effects, but the understanding of these synergistic mechanisms is limited and more complex processes may be involved. There is not yet enough data to determine any potential synergistic interaction between the known compounds, and increased pharmacological understanding is needed to avoid potential risks.
Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry February 18, 2021 Mara C. Guimarães, Tiago M. Guimarães, Jaime E. C. Hallak et al. 41 citations
In a small pilot trial, adding nitrous oxide (N2O) to ongoing antidepressant treatment for major depressive disorder produced significantly greater improvement in depressive symptoms than placebo (100% oxygen). After four weeks of twice-weekly 60-minute sessions, depression scores on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale dropped from an average of 22.58 to 5.92 in the N2O group, compared with a drop from 22.44 to 12.89 in the placebo group. Most participants receiving N2O met criteria for response (91.7%) and remission (75%). Common side effects included nausea, vomiting, and headache. The results suggest N2O may be a useful augmentation strategy for treatment-resistant depression.
Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry December 16, 2017 Ilana Berlowitz, Christian Ghasarian, Heinrich Walt et al. 39 citations
Experts at an addiction treatment center in the Peruvian Amazon described substance use disorders using concepts similar to biopsychosocial models, but their therapeutic methods differed markedly from Western approaches. The main treatment methods involved dietary retreats, healing ceremonies, and purging rituals. Experts emphasized that the integral application of these Amazonian methods, along with their traditional implementation according to prescribed ritual protocols, is crucial for efficacy and safety. The authors suggest further scientific attention to these therapies, including clinical studies, to expand cross-cultural understanding of substance use disorders and potentially enhance treatment options.
Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry July 27, 2019 Rafael G. Dos Santos, José Carlos Bouso 8 citations
Ayahuasca shows promise as a potent antidepressant, with studies revealing that 65% of participants experienced significant symptom reduction after treatment. In a sample of 100 individuals suffering from depression, those who received ayahuasca reported improved mood and well-being compared to traditional therapies. This aligns with growing interest in psychedelics within psychiatry and psychology, highlighting their potential role alongside cannabis and cannabinoid research. Psychotherapists are increasingly considering these alternative medicines for effective mental health interventions, supported by biochemical analysis and sensing techniques.
Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry October 7, 2020 Rafael G. Dos Santos, Dráulio Barros de Araújo, Rafael Faria Sanches et al. 2 citations
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Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry January 1, 2025 David S. Mathai, Jill O. Robinson, Kevin Wagner et al. 1 citation
Among 2,639 Hispanic and Latin American adults with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) living across the Americas, 9% reported using psychedelics or related substances for treatment. Most (72%) had received traditional treatments like psychiatric medication or psychotherapy. Psilocybin, LSD, and MDMA were the most used psychedelics. Users were more likely to be male, have received non-ERP therapy, and have a comorbid psychiatric diagnosis. Outcomes for OCD symptoms varied widely by drug and were difficult to predict, but were most favorable for classic serotonergic psychedelics. Real-world evidence suggests Hispanic and Latin American adults are exploring psychedelics as a treatment for OCD, though further research is needed to establish safe and effective use.
Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry January 1, 2022 Guillermo Saúl Escobar Cornejo, Diego Mauricio Escobar-Cornejo, Luis Fernando Ramos Vargas 1 citation
Ayahuasca, a traditional Amazonian brew, shows promise in addressing psychological distress. In a study involving 200 participants, 70% reported significant reductions in anxiety and depression symptoms after using ayahuasca. Additionally, its effects on the brain’s nicotinic acetylcholine receptors may provide insights into pharmacological mechanisms relevant for treating conditions like COVID-19. With the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, understanding these receptor interactions could be vital in developing therapies for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and related infections.
Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry June 16, 2026 Daniel B.a. Prado, Matheus T. Rossignoli, Rafael N. Ruggiero et al.
In a rat model of schizophrenia-like symptoms induced by ketamine, the combination of cannabidiol and sodium nitroprusside given during brain development prevented hyperactivity and memory problems in both sexes, while each drug alone had limited effects. The model produced different symptoms in males and females: females showed greater hyperactivity and long-term memory deficits, whereas males showed reduced pleasure-seeking and short-term memory impairments. The combined treatment was more effective in females, and distinct behavioral patterns were seen between sexes. This suggests that a combination of these two compounds may offer a sex-specific preventive strategy for schizophrenia symptoms.