Ayahuasca’s Antidepressant Effects Covary with Behavioral Activation as Well as Mindfulness

Ayahuasca, a plant-based hallucinogen used as a spiritual medicine in South America, has shown antidepressant effects in at least one placebo-controlled trial, but the mechanisms remain unclear. A survey of 152 individuals examined changes in depressive symptoms, behavioral activation, and mindfulness after an Ayahuasca experience. Mindfulness was strongly linked to reduced depression severity, but behavioral activation—engaging in rewarding activities—was a stronger predictor of improvement. Changes in behavioral activation likely serve as a mechanism underlying Ayahuasca's antidepressant effects, suggesting future clinical trials could benefit from tracking behavioral activation.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Ayahuasca, a plant-based hallucinogen that serves as a spiritual medicine in South America, has improved depression in at least one placebo-controlled clinical trial. Case studies suggest that dramatic behavioral changes often follow the Ayahuasca ceremony, but most explanations of antidepressant effects focus on changes in mindfulness. This study investigated whether both mindfulness and behavioral activation might contribute to these anti-depressant effects. We surveyed individuals (N = 152) about their changes in depressive symptoms, behavioral activation, and mindfulness after an Ayahuasca experience. Mindfulness was strongly associated with reduced depression severity (r = - .670, p r = - .474, p p p < .05). Changes in behavioral activation likely serve as a mechanism underlying Ayahuasca's antidepressant effects. Future clinical trials could benefit from tracking behavioral activation.