Therapeutic potential of ayahuasca in grief: a prospective, observational study
Débora González, Jordi Cantillo, Irene Hidalgo Pérez, Magı́ Farré, Amanda Feilding, Jordi E. Obiols, José Carlos Bouso
Psychopharmacology January 14, 2020 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-019-05446-2 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractIn a bereaved sample attending Shipibo ayahuasca ceremonies in Peru, grief severity decreased substantially from baseline to 12 months, with large effect sizes (Cohen's d = 0.84 at 15 days, 1.38 at 3 months, 1.16 at 6 months, and 1.39 at 12 months). Reductions in grief were linked to lower experiential avoidance (r = 0.55) and greater decentering (r = -0.47). The ceremonial use of ayahuasca appears to have therapeutic value for grief, with acceptance and decentering as mediating psychological processes.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Observational cohort Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 50 |
| Population | Bereaved individuals attending an ayahuasca retreat center in Peru |
| Intervention | Ayahuasca ceremonies |
| Duration | 12-month follow-up |
| Topics | Anxiety Ayahuasca |
| Keywords | Experiential avoidance Complicated grief Clinical psychology Psychotherapist |
| Citations | 73 |
| Key finding | Ayahuasca ceremony participation was associated with large, sustained reductions in grief severity over 12 months, mediated by decreases in experiential avoidance and increases in decentering. |
Abstract
Abstract Rationale Recent studies have assessed the therapeutic potential of ayahuasca for the treatment of depression with promising preliminary results . Objectives Here, we examine the course of grief over 1 year of follow-up in a bereaved sample that attended a center in Peru to participate in indigenous Shipibo ayahuasca ceremonies. We also explore the roles of experiential avoidance and decentering as mechanisms of change. Methods Bereaved participants who attended the ayahuasca center responded to an online survey that included the Texas Revised Inventory of Grief, Symptom Assessment-45, WHO Quality of Life-Bref, Acceptance and Action Questionnaire, and Decentering. Baseline assessment was completed by 50 individuals (T0). Of these, 39 completed the post-assessment at 15 days (T1), 31 at 3 months (T2), 29 at 6 months (T3), and 27 at 12 months (T4) after leaving the retreat. Pearson’s analysis was performed to examine the relationship between the severity of grief and mechanisms of change during the period of T0 and T1. Results A significant decrease in Texas Revised Inventory was observed at all time points (T1: Cohen’s d = 0.84; T2: Cohen’s d = 1.38; T3: Cohen’s d = 1.16; T4: Cohen’s d = 1.39). We found a relationship between experiential avoidance ( r = 0.55; p < .01), decentering ( r = − 0.47; p < .01), and a reduction in the severity of grief. Conclusions Our results suggest that the ceremonial use of ayahuasca has therapeutic value by reducing the severity of grief. Acceptance and decentering are both psychological processes that mediate the improvement of grief symptoms.