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    Associations Between Ayahuasca and Mental Health

    02.12.2024

    Associations Between Ayahuasca Use in Naturalistic Settings and Mental Health and Wellbeing Outcomes: Analysis of a Large Global Dataset

    Authors:
    Daniel Perkins, Jerome Sarris, Tessa Cowley-Court, Helena Aicher, Luís Fernando Tófoli, José Carlos Bouso, Emerita Opaleye, Andreas Halman, Nicole Galvão-Coelho, and Violeta Schubert

    Journal:
    Journal of Psychoactive Drugs

    Year:
    2024

     

    About the study

    The study explores the associations between ayahuasca use in naturalistic settings and mental health and wellbeing, utilizing a dataset of 7,576 participants from over 50 countries. It found that ayahuasca consumption is linked to improved mental health outcomes, regardless of whether individuals had a history of mental illness. The frequency of use and the intensity of subjective mystical experiences significantly correlated with better mental health scores (K10, SF-12) and perceived psychological growth (PWG). Social and community factors, such as participation in ayahuasca communities, also positively influenced outcomes. However, challenging experiences, such as extreme fear during sessions or difficulties integrating the experience, were associated with poorer outcomes.

    The study emphasized the mediating role of psychological wellbeing in driving mental health benefits. Variables such as self-insights gained and the strength of mystical experiences played key roles in enhancing wellbeing and reducing psychological distress. On the other hand, integration challenges highlighted the need for post-session support to manage adverse effects. Findings suggest that ayahuasca’s therapeutic potential might be maximized when accompanied by preparation and integration frameworks, particularly in group settings that foster social connections and emotional support.

    While the study demonstrates robust positive associations between ayahuasca use and mental health improvements, it also acknowledges limitations, including self-reported data, the non-random sample, and the cross-sectional design, which prevents causal inferences. These results provide valuable insights for policymakers and clinical researchers, advocating for structured therapeutic approaches that leverage ayahuasca’s unique phenomenological and community dynamics while addressing potential risks.

     

    Abstract

    Emerging evidence indicates that ayahuasca consumption may have beneficial mental health effects. This study undertakes the largest analysis to date of associations between naturalistic ayahuasca use and current mental health status via an online cross-sectional survey. The sample included 7,576 participants (average age 41, 47% female) who had consumed ayahuasca in religious, traditional, or non-traditional settings in over 50 countries. Bivariate analysis, multivariate linear regressions and generalized structural equation modeling were used to explore associations between ayahuasca use variables, current mental health (K10, SF-12 MCS), and psychological well-being change (PWG). The number of ayahuasca uses was found to be positively associated with current mental health status (all measures), and this remained highly significant in multivariate models, with little evidence of associations diminishing over time. Variables such as the strength of the mystical experience, self-insights, and community/social variables were also positively associated with current mental health and PWG, while acute extreme fear and integration difficulties were negatively associated. Findings suggest that naturalistic ayahuasca use is associated with better current mental health status and enhanced psychological wellbeing for individuals with and without a history of mental illness, independent of community effects, with certain variables contributing positively or negatively to these effects.

     

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    Categories: Studies & papers , Ayahuasca
    Tags: ayahuasca , scientific research , study , psychedelics , hallucinogens , psychological well-being , mental health , well-being