Long-term effects of ayahuasca in patients with recurrent depression: a 5-year qualitative follow-up

• Published in: Revista de psiquiatria clínica 2018-01, Vol.45 (1), p.22-24
• Main Authors: Santos, Rafael G. dos, Sanches, Rafael Faria, Osorio, Flavia de Lima, Hallak, Jaime F.C
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: MEDICINE, GENERAL & INTERNAL; PSYCHIATRY
• ISSN: 0101-6083; 1806-938X; 1806-938X
• DOI: 10.1590/0101-60830000000149

Background: Ayahuasca is a botanical hallucinogenic preparation traditionally used by indigenous populations of Northwestern Amazonian countries for ritual and therapeutic purposes. It is rich in [beta]-carboline alkaloids and N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT). Preclinical, observational, and experimental studies suggest that ayahuasca and its alkaloids have anxiolytic and antidepressive effects. We recently reported in an open-label trial that ayahuasca administration was associated with significant decreases in depression symptoms for 2-3 weeks after the experimental session in 17 patients with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder. Objectives: To investigate if the experiment had any long-lasting effects on patients Methods: Eight patients were interviewed 4 to 7 years after ayahuasca intake. Results: Our results suggest that ayahuasca was well tolerated and that symptom reductions were limited to a few weeks. Importantly, most patients believed that the experience was among the most important of their lives, even 4-7 years later. Discussion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first long-term follow-up of a clinical sample that participated in an ayahuasca trial. Further studies with different and repeated dosing should be designed to further explore the antidepressive and anxiolytic effects of ayahuasca. dos Santos RG et al. / Arch Clin Psychiatry. 2018;45(1):22-4 Keywords: Hallucinogens, psychedelics, ayahuasca, depression, safety.