HRS

Rapid antidepressant effects of the psychedelic ayahuasca in treatment-resistant depression: a randomized placebo-controlled trial

In a double-blind randomised placebo-controlled trial of 29 patients with treatment-resistant depression, a single dose of ayahuasca produced rapid antidepressant effects versus placebo at days 1, 2 and 7, with effect sizes increasing from Cohen’s d = 0.84 to 1.49 and higher response rates at day 7 (64% v. 27%). This first controlled trial of a psychedelic in this population supports the safety and therapeutic potential of ayahuasca when dosed in an appropriate setting.

Published

June 15, 2018

Journal

Psychological Medicine

Authors

Palhano-Fontes, F., Barreto, D., Onias, H., Andrade, K. C., Novaes, M. M., Pessoa, J. A., Mota-Rolim, S. A., Osório, F. L., Sanches, R., Dos Santos, R. G., Tófoli, L. F., De Oliveira Silveira, G., Yonamine, M., Riba, J., Santos, F. R., Silva-Junior, A. A., Alchieri, J. C., Galvão-Coelho, N. L., Lobão-Soares, B., Hallak, J. E. C., Arcoverde, E., Maia-De-Oliveira, J. P., Araújo, D. B.