Ayahuasca Ritual, Personality and Sociality: Observational Research Conducted in a Substance Use Disorder Rehabilitation Center in Uruguay

Apud, Ismael; Scuro, Juan; Carrera, Ignacio; Oliveri, Andrés

doi:10.1080/02791072.2022.2053004

Cited by 6 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 52 publications

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“…Different authors from psychology (Oman & Thoresen, 2005;Starbuck, 1911), anthropology (Luhrmann, 2013;Vallverdú, 2010), neuroscience (McNamara, 2009;Newberg & Lee, 2006) and other disciplines, have analyzed how conversion experiences are used in religious setting to cope with different mental problems. For the case of psychedelics, the importance of "peak" and "transcendental" experiences in the treatment of substance use disorder has been identified in both clinical setting (Hoffer & Osmond, 1967;Majic et al, 2015;Richards, 2009), and in different religious/spiritual ritual contexts (Apud, Scuro, Carrera, & Oliveri, 2022;Fábregas et al, 2010;Mercante, 2013;Talin & Sanabria, 2017). Nowadays, mystical experiences during the psychedelic acute effects are considered as a main predictor of a positive psychotherapeutic outcome in the clinical setting of randomized controlled trials (Yaden & Griffiths, 2021).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Psychological effects and subjective experiences of ayahuasca rituals in participants of two neoshamanic centers of Uruguay

Apud

Scuro

Carrera

et al. 2022

JPS

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Background Ayahuasca's psychological and subjective effects were compared in rituals of two neoshamanic groups in Uruguay. Aims Compare, describe and analyze psychological effects and subjective experiences of ayahuasca ceremonies in two different groups: a psychospiritual holistic center, and a center specialized in substance use disorder's treatment. Methods A mixed qualitative-quantitative study was conducted, using the Hallucinogen Rating Scale for measuring psychological effects, and in-depth interviews for the description of ayahuasca subjective experiences. Data from both techniques were compared, analyzing convergences and differences. Results When comparing the two neoshamanic groups, significant differences with a medium-size effect were found in the psychological variables Affect (r = 0.47), Cognition (r = 0.36) and Perception (r = 0.36). The qualitative descriptions of ayahuasca experiences in the group with higher scores in those variables showed more frequent and complex experiences of emotional, cognitive, and perceptive content. Dissimilar results were found when comparing Intensity and Somaesthetic domains, with no significant results in the quantitative part, while in the qualitative part intensity was reported as “soft” in one group, and corporal experiences (e.g., purging effects) were especially manifested. Conclusions Stronger subjective experiences and higher psychological effects may be related to differences in the dosage and the setting of the centers. Emotional, cognitive, and perceptive psychological effects of ayahuasca rituals measured by the Hallucinogen Rating Scale, seem to be associated with more frequent and complex subjective experiences in the mentioned domains. Qualitative group differences in corporal alterations and the overall intensity of the experience differed from non-significant results of the quantitative part of the study.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Psychological effects and subjective experiences of ayahuasca rituals in participants of two neoshamanic centers of Uruguay

Apud

Scuro

Carrera

et al. 2022

JPS

Self Cite

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“…The results showed a statistically significant high score of social warmth. These results demonstrated that in addition to the biochemical effects of ayahuasca the community, music, and setting acted in synergy to elicit feelings of empathy, love, happiness, and unity [ 53 ].…”

Section: Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Effects of Ayahuasca on Psychological Disorders: A Systematic Literature Review

Sheth,

Parikh,

Olayeye

et al. 2024

Cureus

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Ayahuasca is an original Amazonian brew made from the vines and leaves of Psychotroa viridis and Banisteriopsis caapi. Both P. viridis and B. caapi give this brew its unique psychedelic properties which have been revered over centuries. In recent years, ayahuasca has gained attention as a potential therapeutic tool for mental health disorders, including substance abuse and depression. The uniqueness of ayahuasca’s therapeutic potential is that it is an amalgamation of its biochemical makeup and the ritual guided by a shaman, along with the interpretation of the participant of their experience. The boom of “ayahuasca tourism” has brought forth testimonies of feeling “cured” of depression, and substance abuse and an improvement in overall well-being. This systematic literature review focuses on summarizing the recently available research on the effectiveness of ayahuasca as a treatment for depression, anxiety, substance abuse, eating disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder. It also focuses on understanding the effects it has on personality traits that play a significant role in the manifestation of the above-listed mental health conditions effects. Additionally, the review investigates the importance and role the ritual itself plays, often described as the “mystical experience”. This systematic literature review aims to explore the current state of knowledge regarding the use of ayahuasca for numerous mental health conditions by analyzing medical research papers published no earlier than September 2017 to no later than May 2023 from Google Scholar and PubMed. A total of 43 articles met the criteria and were used for detailed analysis. This review will synthesize the findings of the studies, examining the potential therapeutic effects of ayahuasca on multiple mental health disorders, the significance of the “mystical experience,” and the mechanisms of action underlying its effects. Through the review, ayahuasca proves to be a worthwhile therapeutic tool that if used in the right setting influences mind, body, and spirit. It is important to note that most studies used in this article relied on surveys and self-reporting proving to be a limitation as no clear standard has been achieved to test the efficacy of ayahuasca. The respect for the culture and origin needs to be retained as Western medicine dwells deeper into ayahuasca’s benefits.

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“…There have been previous studies which found ayahuasca's benefits on personality trait impulsiveness in the context of addiction (Bouso and Riba, 2014;Fernándex et al, 2014;Apud, 2020;Apud et al, 2023), with one study finding no differences in long-term ayahuasca use on trait impulsiveness more generally (Bouso et al, 2012). As for preliminary evidence in other classical psychedelics (e.g., LSD, psilocybin), potential benefits of microdosing (i.e., use of sub-perceptive low doses for therapeutic effects) in alleviating ADHD symptoms have been outlined in a prospective naturalistic study by Haijen et al (2022), as well as in a bachelor's thesis (Totomanova, 2020).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 96%

Can ayahuasca reduce inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity? A pilot study

Tsang,

Ruffell,

Netzband

et al. 2023

Drug Science, Policy and Law

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Background The potential benefits of ayahuasca on mental health conditions are well documented. This pilot study is the first to explore whether there is an association with ayahuasca use and reductions in inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, the core features of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Methods In this exploratory, observational pilot study, the Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Report Scale was administered to 49 adults (23 males, 24 females, two participants did not report their sex) prior to and following the completion of ayahuasca retreats facilitated by the Ayahuasca Foundation in Iquitos, Peru. Only four participants self-reported having a diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Participants attended either an 8-day (four to five ceremonies), 2-week (six ceremonies), 3-week (eight ceremonies) or 4-week (three to 11 ceremonies) retreat. Results Inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity and total scores significantly reduced following an ayahuasca retreat, irrespective of the length of that retreat and the number of ceremonies participants attended. Conclusions This pilot study is the first to find reductions in self-reported inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity in a sample of mostly non-attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder adults following the use of ayahuasca. However controlled trials are required to determine causality. Research and clinical implications are considered.

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Ayahuasca Ritual, Personality and Sociality: Observational Research Conducted in a Substance Use Disorder Rehabilitation Center in Uruguay

Cited by 6 publications

References 52 publications

Psychological effects and subjective experiences of ayahuasca rituals in participants of two neoshamanic centers of Uruguay

Psychological effects and subjective experiences of ayahuasca rituals in participants of two neoshamanic centers of Uruguay

The Effects of Ayahuasca on Psychological Disorders: A Systematic Literature Review

Can ayahuasca reduce inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity? A pilot study

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