Ayahuasca May Help in Depression Treatment, Says Study

Ayahuasca May Help in Depression Treatment, Says Study With increased interest in the use of psychedelic substances for the treatment of mental disorders like depression, anxiety, etc., studies are being conducted to leverage their therapeutic benefits. As a result, medical practitioners are exploring hallucinogenic drugs like ecstasy, ketamine and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) to explore their medicinal benefits.

When used in constrained and limited circumstances, the clinical trials of hallucinogens displayed positive outcomes. Such trials have highlighted that psilocybin mushrooms remarkably reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety and the brain responds to the effects of LSD. On the same lines, a recent study claims that ayahuasca, a psychedelic brew made from a plant with hallucinogenic properties growing in the Amazonian jungles, has the potential to treat depression.

The researchers from the University College London, University of Exeter and University of Sao Paulo studied how extracts from the leaves and the vines of ayahuasca plant could be reinvented as a depression cure. The study also elaborated how the brew made from plant was comparatively safer and less addictive.

Potential of hallucinogens in curing depression The study involved 97,000 people who were later asked how they felt post therapy. In order to compare the results, nearly 78,000 participants were administered drug with no hallucinogenic properties, 18,000 were kept on well-known psychedelic drugs like LSD or magic mushrooms and 527 were provided ayahuasca.

Interestingly, those on ayahuasca reported higher levels of well-being than others.

Additionally, they also displayed less desire for drugs and fewer risky drinking habits compared to those on other psychedelic drugs. Considering the low abuse potential of ayahuasca, it has emerged as a safe treatment for psychiatric disorders.

According to the researchers associated with the study, “Self-rated psychological well-being was better in ayahuasca users than either classic psychedelic users or other respondents in

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the survey. This finding fits with previous studies that have found beneficial effects of ayahuasca use on subjective well-being.”

Despite the increased possibility of using such novel treatments, more studies are needed to understand the effects of ayahuasca on the users to avoid any major repercussion.

Considering the side effects of hallucinogens, such as confusion, detachment from self/environment, loss of appetite, etc., one needs to be more cautious while applying such treatments.

The ayahuasca plant found in the Amazonian jungles is also known as the ‘vine of the soul’ and has been used since the ancient times for healing. Accepting the medicinal benefits of ayahuasca, Dr. Philip E. Wolfson, a California-based psychiatrist, said, “It’s widely accepted among those of us who practice that ayahuasca has a great potential.” However, he also accepted the fact that further studies were required before the true potential of ayahuasca in the treatment of depression or substance abuse could be understood.

Treatment to alleviate consequences of depression Depression is a crippling disorder that leads to loss of productivity, disability and low quality life. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 300 million people across the world suffer from depression. In the United States, around 16.2 million adults had at least one major depressive episode (MDE) in the past year, which is equivalent to 6.7 percent of the population.

While brain chemistry, hormones and genetics play a significant role in the onset of depression, there are some other factors that are equally responsible. These include:   

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A person who has a low self-esteem is more likely to fall prey to depression.

Certain disorders, such as anxiety, borderline personality disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), are associated with the symptoms of depression.

Whether it is due to the physical discomfort or the inability to enjoy life to the optimum, people suffering from chronic diseases like cancer and diabetes could have a depressive symptom. Depression is also common during springtime in people with allergies.

Since a person who has underwent the trauma of abuse often finds it hard to confront the pain and the delusion himself or herself, he or she could need help from an external source. In the absence of emotional counseling, one could easily end up with depression.

Certain prescription medications are associated with depression-like symptoms. Once these are discontinued, one will stop experiencing the depressive symptoms.

If you or your loved is suffering from any mental disorder, contact the Recover Mental Health to find the best mental health treatment center offering depression treatment in a safe and secure environment near you. Call at our 24/7 helpline 866-593-2339 to know about the best depression treatment center in your vicinity.

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