Acute effects of ayahuasca on neuropsychological performance: differences in executive function between experienced and occasional users
This study (n=24) found that experienced users showed less detrimental effects on higher cognition following ayahuasca intake than occasional users.
Authors
- Jordi Riba
- José Carlos Bouso
Published
Abstract
Background
Ayahuasca, a South American psychotropic plant tea containing the psychedelic 5-HT2A receptor agonist N,N-dimethyltryptamine, has been shown to increase regional cerebral blood flow in prefrontal brain regions after acute administration to humans. Despite interactions at this level, neuropsychological studies have not found cognitive deficits in abstinent long-term users.
Objectives
Here, we wished to investigate the effects of acute ayahuasca intake on neuropsychological performance, specifically on working memory and executive function.
Methods
Twenty-four ayahuasca users (11 long-term experienced users and 13 occasional users) were assessed in their habitual setting using the Stroop, Sternberg, and Tower of London tasks prior to and following ayahuasca intake.
Results
Errors in the Sternberg task increased, whereas reaction times in the Stroop task decreased and accuracy was maintained for the whole sample following ayahuasca intake. Interestingly, results in the Tower of London showed significantly increased execution and resolution times and number of movements for the occasional but not the experienced users. Additionally, a correlation analysis including all subjects showed that impaired performance in the Tower of London was inversely correlated with lifetime ayahuasca use.
Conclusions
Acute ayahuasca administration impaired working memory but decreased stimulus-response interference. Interestingly, detrimental effects on higher cognition were only observed in the less experienced group. Rather than leading to increased impairment, greater prior exposure to ayahuasca was associated with reduced incapacitation. Compensatory or neuromodulatory effects associated with long-term ayahuasca intake could underlie preserved executive function in experienced users.
Research Summary of 'Acute effects of ayahuasca on neuropsychological performance: differences in executive function between experienced and occasional users'
Introduction
Bouso and colleagues situate this study within renewed scientific interest in serotonergic psychedelics as both models for mental disorders and potential therapeutic tools. They note that classic tryptamine psychedelics such as psilocybin and N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) act primarily at 5-HT2A receptors, which are densely expressed in prefrontal cortical pyramidal neurons, and that activation of these receptors modulates frontocortical glutamatergic activity. Neuroimaging studies have reported frontal hyperactivity after acute psychedelic administration, yet earlier neuropsychological work in abstinent long-term ayahuasca users found no cognitive deficits and in some tests even superior performance compared with controls, leaving uncertainty about acute cognitive effects and the role of prior exposure.
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Study Details
- Study Typeindividual
- Journal
- Compound
- Topic
- Authors
- APA Citation
Bouso, J. C., Fábregas, J. M., Antonijoan, R. M., Rodríguez-Fornells, A., & Riba, J. (2013). Acute effects of ayahuasca on neuropsychological performance: differences in executive function between experienced and occasional users. Psychopharmacology, 230(3), 415-424. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-013-3167-9
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