Braz J Psychiatry
March 1, 2021
Eduardo E. Schenberg
6 citations
Psychedelic drugs are emerging as novel therapeutic agents for psychiatric care, offering potential to reconfigure brain pathways and treat mental health challenges like depression and anxiety. These compounds may induce neuroplasticity, altering neural pathways to improve mood and outlook. The work discusses how psychedelics represent a new frontier in psychiatric therapeutics, moving beyond traditional treatments to directly engage brain reconfiguration for therapeutic benefit.
Braz J Psychiatry
July 7, 2026
Alberto Souza Sá Filho, James Oluwagbamigbe Fajemiroye, Antonio Egidio Nardi et al.
The article argues that while ayahuasca has shown promise in early depression research, the field must move beyond initial enthusiasm to address methodological challenges and ethical considerations. It calls for rigorous, well-controlled studies to determine efficacy and safety, and emphasizes the need to understand the specific mechanisms of action. The authors suggest that future research should focus on long-term outcomes, potential risks, and the integration of ayahuasca into broader therapeutic contexts, rather than simply celebrating its potential.
Braz J Psychiatry
September 29, 2025
José Augusto S. Reis, Giordano N. Rossi, Anna Beatriz V. Zacharias et al.
A case report describes an instance of acute suicidal behavior that occurred after a participant ingested ayahuasca in a clinical trial setting. The report details the circumstances and clinical presentation of this adverse event, highlighting a potential risk associated with ayahuasca use even within a controlled research environment. The authors suggest that such reactions, though rare, warrant careful screening and monitoring of participants in psychedelic research.
Braz J Psychiatry
July 26, 2022
The abstract proposes that ayahuasca, through its interaction with the sigma-1 receptor, may offer a potential treatment for COVID-19. It suggests that the sigma-1 receptor, which is targeted by certain components of ayahuasca, could play a role in mitigating the effects of the virus. The text does not present empirical data or results; it outlines a theoretical possibility based on known receptor interactions.