Modulatory effects of ayahuasca on personality structure in a traditional framework

Ayahuasca, a psychoactive brew containing DMT and MAOIs, is traditionally used ceremonially in the Amazon and increasingly by tourists seeking healing or spiritual growth. In a mixed-design study, 24 participants who ingested ayahuasca showed significant increases in agreeableness and reductions in neuroticism compared to a control group, with changes sustained at a 6-month follow-up; trait openness also increased at follow-up. Greater perceived mystical experience was linked to larger reductions in neuroticism. These results suggest a positive mediating effect of ayahuasca on personality, supporting potential therapeutic uses for serotonergic psychedelics.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract 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.