Marika Renelli1, Jenna Fletcher2, Kenneth W Tupper3,4, Natasha Files5, Anya Loizaga-Velder6, Adele Lafrance7. 1. Department of Psychology, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON, P3E 2C6, Canada. 2. Mental Health Foundations, Ottawa, Canada. 3. Director of Implementation and Partnerships, British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, Canada. 4. School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, V6T 1Z3, Canada. 5. Mental Health Foundations, Vancouver, Canada. 6. National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico. 7. Department of Psychology, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON, P3E 2C6, Canada. adele@dradelelafrance.com.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Ayahuasca is a traditional Amazonian medicine that is currently being researched for its potential in treating a variety of mental disorders. This article reports on exploratory qualitative research relating to participant experiences with ceremonial ayahuasca drinking and conventional treatment for eating disorders (EDs). It also explores the potential for ayahuasca as an adjunctive ED treatment. METHODS: Thirteen individuals previously diagnosed with an ED participated in a semi-structured interview contrasting their experiences with conventional ED treatment with experiences from ceremonial ayahuasca. The interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Participant reports were organized with key themes including that ayahuasca: led to rapid reductions in ED thoughts and symptoms; allowed for the healing of the perceived root of the ED; helped to process painful feelings and memories; supported the internalization of greater self-love and self-acceptance; and catalyzed spiritual elements of healing. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that ayahuasca may have potential as a valuable therapeutic tool, and further research-including carefully controlled clinical trials-is warranted. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V, qualitative descriptive study.
PURPOSE: Ayahuasca is a traditional Amazonian medicine that is currently being researched for its potential in treating a variety of mental disorders. This article reports on exploratory qualitative research relating to participant experiences with ceremonial ayahuasca drinking and conventional treatment for eating disorders (EDs). It also explores the potential for ayahuasca as an adjunctive ED treatment. METHODS: Thirteen individuals previously diagnosed with an ED participated in a semi-structured interview contrasting their experiences with conventional ED treatment with experiences from ceremonial ayahuasca. The interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS:Participant reports were organized with key themes including that ayahuasca: led to rapid reductions in ED thoughts and symptoms; allowed for the healing of the perceived root of the ED; helped to process painful feelings and memories; supported the internalization of greater self-love and self-acceptance; and catalyzed spiritual elements of healing. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that ayahuasca may have potential as a valuable therapeutic tool, and further research-including carefully controlled clinical trials-is warranted. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V, qualitative descriptive study.
Entities:
Keywords:
Adjunctive treatment; Ayahuasca; Eating disorder; Psychedelics; Psychotherapy; Traditional medicine
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