Symptom specificity of ayahuasca's effect on depressive symptoms

Bibliographic Data

ID5305273
AuthorsC S Gilbert (0000-0001-6439-0763, University at Albany, State University of New York, corresponding author), M Earleywine (0000-0002-6870-0623, University at Albany, State University of New York), Maha N Mian (0000-0001-7051-7820, University at Albany, State University of New York), Brianna R Altman (0000-0001-9254-2939, University at Albany, State University of New York)
Year2021
Volume5
Issue1
Pages37-43
Publication date2021-05-11
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Psychedelic Studies (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2559-9283 • E-ISSN: 2559-9283
PublisherAkademiai Kiado Zrt (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1556/2054.2021.00165
OpenAlexW3155407419
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited41

BackgroundAyahuasca's effects on symptoms of depression have generated considerable optimism. Clients frequently report more concern about some symptoms than others, and available treatments alter symptoms differentially. Few studies address the symptom specificity of this psychoactive brew.AimsWe examined self-reported effects of ayahuasca on the individual symptoms of depression assessed by the 10-item short-form of Center for Epidemiological Studies of Depression (CESD-10).MethodsWe asked over 120 participants to complete a retrospective assessment of CESD-10 symptoms one month before and one month after using ayahuasca.ResultsParticipants indicated that ayahuasca had a larger influence on affective symptoms like hope, depressed mood, and happiness, than cognitive, interpersonal, and somatic symptoms like restless sleep, loneliness, and difficulty focusing.ConclusionsPotential clients might appreciate identifying if different treatments provide more relief for some depressive symptoms than others. We examined retrospective reports of ayahuasca's potential for differential impact. Those eager to alter hope, happiness, and other affective symptoms will likely find ayahuasca more helpful than those who want an intervention for restless sleep, loneliness, or trouble focusing. This symptom specificity parallels the effects of serotonergic antidepressant medications, suggesting that psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy using ayahuasca might have considerable appeal for those who seek comparable relief but would rather not use prescription serotonergic medications. Jumpstarting psychotherapy with the rapid onset of ayahuasca-induced relief also appears to have potential

Ayahuasca · Loneliness · Mood · Psychiatry · Psychotherapist · Biochemical Analysis and Sensing Techniques · Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research · Clinical Psychology · Medicine · Psychedelics and Drug Studies · Psychology

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