Ayahuasca Improves Self-Perception of Speech Ability in Subjects with Social Anxiety Disorder

Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology: June 20, 2021 - Volume - Issue -.

doi: 10.1097/JCP.000000000000001428

Commentary

The drug ayahuasca is a hallucinogen with anxiolytic and antidepressant properties, and case evidence suggests that it improves performance (e.g., singing, speech). This study was designed to evaluate the effects of ayahuasca on speech performance and anxiety in individuals with social anxiety disorder.

The study evaluated 17 individuals with social anxiety disorder on the primary outcome of self-statements during a public speaking scale; secondary outcomes included anxiety/subjective affect, recognition of emotion in facial expressions, tolerability measures, and plasma levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor.

Results showed that, compared to placebo, ayahuasca significantly improved self-perception of speech performance and increased physical symptoms. There was also a significant time interaction on the visual analogue mood scale factor for cognitive decline, and a significant time effect on reaction time, especially for the REFE task.

Ayahuasca was well tolerated and adverse effects were reported, mainly nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort, and vomiting.

 Analysis of these results suggests that ayahuasca can improve self-perception of speech performance in socially anxious individuals, particularly the cognitive aspects of speech performance.