An exploratory study of experiences with conventional eating disorder treatment and ceremonial ayahuasca for the healing of eating disorders.
Marika Renelli, Jenna Fletcher, Kenneth W Tupper, Natasha Files, Anya Loizaga-Velder, Adele Lafrance
Eating and weight disorders : EWD April 1, 2020 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-018-0619-6 via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractAyahuasca, a traditional Amazonian medicine, is being studied for mental health treatment. In this qualitative study, 13 people previously diagnosed with an eating disorder described their experiences with ceremonial ayahuasca and conventional treatment. Thematic analysis of interviews revealed that ayahuasca was associated with rapid reductions in eating disorder thoughts and symptoms, helped heal the perceived root of the disorder, processed painful feelings and memories, fostered self-love and self-acceptance, and catalyzed spiritual healing. The findings suggest ayahuasca may have potential as an adjunctive therapeutic tool, warranting further controlled clinical trials.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Qualitative descriptive study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 13 |
| Population | Individuals previously diagnosed with an eating disorder |
| Interventions | ceremonial ayahuasca drinking conventional eating disorder treatment |
| Topics | Ayahuasca |
| Keywords | Adjunctive treatment Eating disorder Psychedelics Psychotherapy |
| Citations | 76 |
| Key finding | Ayahuasca was associated with rapid reductions in eating disorder thoughts and symptoms, healing of the perceived root of the disorder, processing of painful feelings and memories, increased self-love and self-acceptance, and spiritual healing. |
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a traditional Amazonian medicine that is currently being researched for its potential in treating a variety of mental disorders. This article reports on exploratory qualitative research relating to participant experiences with ceremonial ayahuasca drinking and conventional treatment for eating disorders (EDs). It also explores the potential for ayahuasca as an adjunctive ED treatment. Thirteen individuals previously diagnosed with an ED participated in a semi-structured interview contrasting their experiences with conventional ED treatment with experiences from ceremonial ayahuasca. The interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. Participant reports were organized with key themes including that ayahuasca: led to rapid reductions in ED thoughts and symptoms; allowed for the healing of the perceived root of the ED; helped to process painful feelings and memories; supported the internalization of greater self-love and self-acceptance; and catalyzed spiritual elements of healing. The results suggest that ayahuasca may have potential as a valuable therapeutic tool, and further research-including carefully controlled clinical trials-is warranted. Level V, qualitative descriptive study.