Journal of clinical psychopharmacology
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J Clin Psychopharmacol · Mar 2021
Acute Psychological Adverse Reactions in First-Time Ritual Ayahuasca Users: A Prospective Case Series.
In recent decades, ritualistic use of ayahuasca has spread throughout the world. Retrospective studies have suggested a good psychological safety profile, but prospective studies involving ceremony ayahuasca-naive participants are lacking. ⋯ Based on the cases reported here, we suggest that although it is possible that participating in ayahuasca ceremonies may entail acute psychological negative reactions, those challenging experiences can also have positive long-term effects. Prospective research on the safety profile of ayahuasca and how it is affected by the context of different practices and safety strategies is therefore necessary.