This mixed-design study (n=48) finds significant increases in agreeableness and reductions in neuroticism post-ayahuasca administration (n=24), sustained at 6-month follow-up, with trait level increases in openness also observed at follow-up. The study also reports an association between greater perceived mystical experience and increased reductions in neuroticism.
Abstract of Modulatory effects of ayahuasca on personality structure in a traditional framework
“Abstract Ayahuasca is a psychoactive plant brew containing dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). It originates from the Amazon basin, where it is used primarily for ceremonial purposes. Ayahuasca tourists are now entering certain communities seeking alternative physical or psychological healing, as well as spiritual growth.
Rationale Recent evidence has shown that the similar acting psychedelic compound, psilocybin, facilitated long-term increases in trait openness following a single administration.
Objectives This paper assesses the impact of ayahuasca on personality in a traditional framework catering for ayahuasca tourists.
Method Within a mixed design, we examined the effect of ayahuasca on participants’ personality (measured by the NEO Personality Inventory 3 questionnaire) across time (pre- to post-ayahuasca administration, and 6-month follow-up), relative to a comparison group (who did not ingest ayahuasca).
Results The results demonstrated significant increases in agreeableness pre- and post-ayahuasca administration and significant reductions in neuroticism in 24 participants, relative to the comparison group. Both of these changes were sustained at 6-month follow-up, and trait level increases were also observed in openness at this stage. Additionally, greater perceived mystical experience (measured using the Mystical Experience Questionnaire 30) was associated with increased reductions in neuroticism.
Conclusions These findings, which indicate a positive mediating effect of ayahuasca on personality, support the growing literature suggesting potential therapeutic avenues for serotonergic psychedelics.“
Authors: Nige Netzband, Simon Ruffell, S. Linton, Wai F. Tsang & T. Wolff
Summary of Modulatory effects of ayahuasca on personality structure in a traditional framework
Ayahuasca is a psychoactive plant brew containing dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). It originates from the Amazon basin where it has traditionally been used for ceremonial purposes. In recent years, there has been an increase in “ayahuasca tourism”, with people traveling to Amazonian communities seeking alternative healing or spiritual growth experiences.
The psychoactive effects of ayahuasca are primarily due to DMT, which remains orally active because of the MAOIs present in the Banisteriopsis caapi vine used in the brew. DMT acts on serotonin receptors in the brain, similar to other psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin. This can lead to powerful shifts in perception and experiences often described as mystical or transcendental.
Previous research has shown that ayahuasca may have therapeutic potential for conditions like depression and addiction. It has also been associated with changes in personality traits in some studies. However, most research has focused on church-based ayahuasca use rather than traditional Amazonian settings.
Methodology
Study Design and Location
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Modulatory effects of ayahuasca on personality structure in a traditional framework
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-020-05601-0
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Cite this paper (APA)
Netzband, N., Ruffell, S., Linton, S., Tsang, W. F., & Wolff, T. (2020). Modulatory effects of ayahuasca on personality structure in a traditional framework. Psychopharmacology, 237, 3161-3171.
Study details
Compounds studied
Ayahuasca
Topics studied
Personality
Study characteristics
Observational
Follow-up
Interviews
Participants
48
Humans