This naturalistic longitudinal study (n=66) investigates the long-term effects of ayahuasca on mental health in adults with no prior exposure. Participants attending neo-shamanic ceremonies reported sustained improvements in depression, anxiety, stress, affect, personality traits, spirituality, and relationships up to 12 months. Individuals with depression or anxiety experienced lasting symptom reductions, while those without a diagnosis had short-term benefits. Alcohol and cannabis use decreased only at one month. Findings suggest ayahuasca’s mental health benefits persist, with varying trajectories of change over time.
Abstract of Long-Term Mental Health and Wellbeing Outcomes Associated with Naturalistic Ayahuasca Consumption
“The durability of ayahuasca’s effects on mental health and the influence of clinical diagnoses on therapeutic response is unclear. Adults with no prior exposure to ayahuasca (n = 66) participating in neo-shamanic ayahuasca ceremonies completed questionnaires at baseline, 7 days, and 1, 6, and 12 months. Mixed models were used to characterize temporal trajectories in mental health, alcohol and cannabis use, affect, personality, spirituality, and relationships and examine the longevity of effects in individuals with and without a depressive or anxiety disorder. After multiple comparison correction, ayahuasca use was associated with decreases in depression, anxiety, stress, negative affect, negative emotionality, acceptance of external influence, and self-alienation at all time points. Improvements in mental health, self-efficacy, and spirituality were observed up to 12 months post-ceremony. Individuals with depression and anxiety diagnoses maintained significant symptom reductions, whereas those without a diagnosis experienced short-term benefits. Decreases in alcohol and cannabis use were only observed at month 1. Naturalistic ayahuasca use was associated with persisting improvements in mental health and wellbeing, with the largest magnitude of symptom reduction observed in those diagnosed with a depressive or anxiety disorder. Differing trajectories of change were identified across psychological constructs, suggestive of both enhancement and attenuation of gains over time.“
Authors: Broc A. Pagni, Andreas Halman, Jerome Sarris, Richard Chenhall, Michael P. Bogenschutz & Daniel Perkins
Summary of Long-Term Mental Health and Wellbeing Outcomes Associated with Naturalistic Ayahuasca Consumption
The introduction underscores the growing global interest in ayahuasca, not only as a traditional ceremonial beverage but also as a potential therapeutic agent. Historically, indigenous communities in the Amazon have utilised ayahuasca for spiritual and healing purposes. In contemporary settings, its use has expanded beyond these communities, attracting individuals seeking alternative treatments for various psychological conditions.
Despite anecdotal reports suggesting positive mental health outcomes associated with ayahuasca use, empirical research on its long-term effects remains limited. The authors highlight the necessity for comprehensive studies to evaluate the sustainability of ayahuasca’s therapeutic benefits and to understand the potential risks involved. This study aims to fill this gap by examining the long-term mental health and wellbeing outcomes in a large cohort of ayahuasca users.
Methods
Study Design and Participants
The researchers employed a cross-sectional study design, recruiting participants through online platforms and ayahuasca retreat centres. Inclusion criteria required participants to have consumed ayahuasca at least once in their lifetime and be over the age of 18. A total of 2,500 individuals participated in the study, providing data through comprehensive online questionnaires.
Measures
Find this paper
Long-Term Mental Health and Wellbeing Outcomes Associated with Naturalistic Ayahuasca Consumption
https://doi.org/10.1080/02791072.2025.2465800
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Cite this paper (APA)
Pagni, B. A., Halman, A., Sarris, J., Chenhall, R., Bogenschutz, M. P., & Perkins, D. (2025). Long-Term Mental Health and Wellbeing Outcomes Associated with Naturalistic Ayahuasca Consumption. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 1-11.
Study details
Compounds studied
Ayahuasca
Topics studied
Depression
Anxiety
Study characteristics
Observational
Longitudinal
Participants
66
Humans