Largest-ever survey on ayahuasca highlights links to better mental health and wellbeing

A new study published in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs has uncovered significant associations between naturalistic ayahuasca use and improved mental health. The research, based on a large international survey, found that frequent use of ayahuasca—a traditional Amazonian psychoactive brew—is linked to lower psychological distress and enhanced psychological wellbeing. However, the benefits appear to depend on factors like the intensity of mystical experiences, self-insights gained, and the strength of community connections during use.

Ayahuasca is a psychoactive brew traditionally used in spiritual and healing practices by Indigenous peoples of the Amazon. It is often made by combining the Banisteriopsis caapi vine with the leaves of the Psychotria viridis plant. The mixture contains powerful compounds: N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a hallucinogenic substance, and beta-carbolines, which allow the DMT to be active when consumed orally. Together, these ingredients create a potent psychedelic experience that often includes vivid visual imagery, intense emotional introspection, and a profound sense of spiritual connection.

Over the past few decades, the use of ayahuasca has spread beyond its traditional settings to more urban and international contexts. Its growing popularity has sparked interest among researchers due to anecdotal reports of its potential mental health benefits. These reports suggest that ayahuasca may alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and addiction while fostering personal insight and emotional resilience.

“Ayahuasca has been used for centuries by Indigenous communities for healing and spiritual purposes, but despite its growing global popularity, its effects on mental health in contemporary settings are not well understood,” said study author Daniel Perkins, an adjunct associate professor at Swinburne University, senior research fellow at the University of Melbourne, and CEO of Psychae Therapeutics.

“With more people around the world turning to ayahuasca (and related plant combinations containing these compounds) for personal growth, spirituality, and mental health support, we saw an opportunity to explore its potential benefits and risks in real-world settings.”

To address this, Perkins and his colleagues conducted the largest survey to date on ayahuasca’s relationship with mental health and wellbeing. The survey attracted over 10,800 participants from more than 50 countries, though the final analysis focused on 7,576 respondents who completed detailed mental health assessments. The survey was available in six languages, and participants were recruited through online communities and networks related to ayahuasca use.

The researchers found that participants who used ayahuasca more frequently reported better mental health, reflected in lower scores on the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale and higher scores on the 12-Item Short Form Survey (indicating better general mental health). This trend was consistent across individuals with and without a history of mental health diagnoses. Additionally, greater frequency of use was associated with higher scores on the Psychological Wellbeing Growth questionnaire.

Mystical experiences and personal insights gained during ayahuasca ceremonies appeared to be significant contributors to these positive outcomes. Respondents who reported stronger mystical experiences or greater self-insights were more likely to report better mental health and greater psychological growth. These effects were particularly pronounced for those who had faced mental health challenges in the past, suggesting that the subjective experiences associated with ayahuasca may play a role in its therapeutic potential.

Community and social support also appeared to enhance the benefits of ayahuasca use. Participants who drank ayahuasca within a supportive group or community reported better mental health and greater personal growth than those who lacked such connections. This finding underscores the importance of the social context in which ayahuasca is consumed, as group settings may provide emotional safety, shared purpose, and opportunities for reflection.

“We were surprised by how consistent the positive associations were between repeated ayahuasca use and improved mental health, even after accounting for a range of other factors,” Perkins told PsyPost. “Notably, we found that mental health and wellbeing benefits were present even after controlling for the social and community aspects of ayahuasca use, which in themselves can enhance wellbeing. Previous studies have not been able to separate out these effects.”

However, the study also highlighted potential risks. A subset of participants reported experiencing extreme fear or panic during ayahuasca sessions, which was associated with poorer mental health outcomes. Similarly, individuals who struggled to integrate their experiences afterward reported lower scores on mental health and wellbeing measures. These challenges, while less common, emphasize the need for proper preparation, support, and integration following ayahuasca use.

“We found that most people who use ayahuasca in naturalistic settings report improvements in their mental health and wellbeing, and that greater use of ayahuasca appears to lead to greater mental health and wellbeing improvement,” Perkins explained. “This was the case both for individuals with and without a history of mental health conditions.”

“However, the context in which it is used is important—things like the strength of the mystical experience, personal insights gained, the support of a community, and how people process the experience afterward are key to these outcomes. At the same time, there are potential risks, including emotional distress and difficulty integrating the experience.”

But there are some limitations to consider. The study relied on self-reported data collected through an online survey. This method introduces the possibility of response bias, as participants who had particularly positive experiences with ayahuasca may have been more inclined to participate and complete the lengthy questionnaire. The data also cannot establish causation, meaning it is unclear whether ayahuasca directly improved mental health or if individuals with better mental health were more likely to engage in its use.

“An important limitation of our study is that it’s based on self-reported data from an online survey, which means we can’t prove cause and effect,” Perkins noted. “Additionally, it’s important to remember that ayahuasca does not provide benefit for everyone, and its effects can vary widely depending on the setting of use and a person’s psychological and emotional preparation.”

To build on these findings, future research could focus on longitudinal studies that track individuals before, during, and after their ayahuasca experiences. This approach would provide a clearer understanding of how ayahuasca influences mental health over time. Controlled clinical trials could also help establish causation by comparing participants who use ayahuasca in structured settings with those who do not. Additionally, future studies could investigate the specific factors that contribute to ayahuasca’s therapeutic effects.

“We want to learn more about how ayahuasca works—what aspects of the experience or environment make the biggest difference for improving mental health and wellbeing, and the extent to which therapies inspired by ayahuasca may be able to provide a benefit for people with treatment-resistant mental health conditions in Western countries,” Perkins said.

“While many people report benefits after consuming ayahuasca, it is not a panacea or quick fix,” he added.

The study, “Associations Between Ayahuasca Use in Naturalistic Settings and Mental Health and Wellbeing Outcomes: Analysis of a Large Global Dataset,” was authored by Daniel Perkins, Jerome Sarris, Tessa Cowley-Court, Helena Aicher, Luís Fernando Tófoli, Jose Carlos Bouso, Emerita Opaleye, Andreas Halman, Nicole Galvão-Coelho, and Violeta Schubert.