As of December 1, 2016, we have received 202 completed responses for our new anonymous questionnaire about the potential risks and benefits associated with taking ayahuasca as a therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The data collection is being sponsored by MAPS, and Jessica Nielson, Ph.D., is the Principal Investigator for this study. “Results show a promising trend towards self-reported reductions in PTSD symptoms, depression, and suicidal thoughts and decreased alcohol and prescription drug use, with increases in the use of other psychedelics and MDMA after trying ayahuasca,” explains Nielson. “There are a few reports of the ayahuasca experience itself being traumatizing when done in settings without an experienced facilitator or appropriate after-care.”
