Rapid antidepressant effects of the psychedelic ayahuasca in treatment-resistant depression: a randomized placebo-controlled trial

Background Recent open-label trials show that psychedelics, such as ayahuasca, hold promise as fast-onset antidepressants in treatment-resistant depression. Methods To test the antidepressant effects of ayahuasca, we conducted a parallel-arm, double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial in 29 patients with treatment-resistant depression. Patients received a single dose of either ayahuasca or placebo. We assessed changes in depression severity with the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and the Hamilton Depression Rating scale at baseline, and at 1 (D1), 2 (D2), and 7 (D7) days after dosing. Results We observed significant antidepressant effects of ayahuasca when compared with placebo at all-time points. MADRS scores were significantly lower in the ayahuasca group compared with placebo at D1 and D2 (p = 0.04), and at D7 (p < 0.0001). Between-group effect sizes increased from D1 to D7 (D1: Cohen's d = 0.84; D2: Cohen's d = 0.84; D7: Cohen's d = 1.49). Response rates were high for both groups at D1 and D2, and significantly higher in the ayahuasca group at D7 (64% v. 27%; p = 0.04). Remission rate showed a trend toward significance at D7 (36% v. 7%, p = 0.054). Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first controlled trial to test a psychedelic substance in treatment-resistant depression. Overall, this study brings new evidence supporting the safety and therapeutic value of ayahuasca, dosed within an appropriate setting, to help treat depression. This study is registered at http://clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02914769)

Efectos del ayuno intermitente en la prevención de enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles

Introduction: Intermittent fasting, a dietary practice that alternates between periods of fasting and eating, has gained attention for its potential in the management of chronic noncommunicable diseases. Development: Research indicates benefits in obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. We analyze how intermittent fasting impacts these conditions, comparing it with continuous caloric restriction, and discuss its advantages and disadvantages. Practical applications or future lines of research: The integration of intermittent fasting into public health strategies offers an interesting perspective. Further studies are needed to personalize its application and understand its long-term effect. Conclusions: Intermittent fasting shows potential to prevent and manage chronic diseases, but more research is needed to establish safe and effective implementation guidelines for different patient groups.Introducción: El ayuno intermitente, una práctica dietética que alterna entre periodos de ayuno y alimentación, ha ganado atención por su potencial en el manejo de enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles. Desarrollo: Investigaciones indican beneficios en la obesidad, diabetes tipo 2, enfermedades cardiovasculares y cáncer. Se analiza cómo el ayuno intermitente impacta estas condiciones, comparándolo con la restricción calórica continua, y se discuten sus ventajas e inconvenientes. Aplicaciones prácticas o futuras líneas de investigación: La integración del ayuno intermitente en estrategias de salud pública ofrece una perspectiva interesante. Se necesitan más estudios para personalizar su aplicación y entender su efecto a largo plazo. Conclusiones: El ayuno intermitente muestra potencial para prevenir y gestionar enfermedades crónicas, pero se requiere más investigación para establecer guías de implementación seguras y efectivas para diferentes grupos de pacientes

Rapid antidepressant effects of the psychedelic ayahuasca in treatment-resistant depression : a randomized placebo-controlled trial

Recent open-label trials show that psychedelics, such as ayahuasca, hold promise as fast-onset antidepressants in treatment-resistant depression. To test the antidepressant effects of ayahuasca, we conducted a parallel-arm, double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial in 29 patients with treatment-resistant depression. Patients received a single dose of either ayahuasca or placebo. We assessed changes in depression severity with the Montgomery-angstrom sberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and the Hamilton Depression Rating scale at baseline, and at 1 (D1), 2 (D2), and 7 (D7) days after dosing. We observed significant antidepressant effects of ayahuasca when compared with placebo at all-time points. MADRS scores were significantly lower in the ayahuasca group compared with placebo at D1 and D2 (p = 0.04), and at D7 (p < 0.0001). Between-group effect sizes increased from D1 to D7 (D1: Cohen's d = 0.84; D2: Cohen's d = 0.84; D7: Cohen's d = 1.49). Response rates were high for both groups at D1 and D2, and significantly higher in the ayahuasca group at D7 (64% v. 27%; p = 0.04). Remission rate showed a trend toward significance at D7 (36% v. 7%, p = 0.054). Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first controlled trial to test a psychedelic substance in treatment-resistant depression. Overall, this study brings new evidence supporting the safety and therapeutic value of ayahuasca, dosed within an appropriate setting, to help treat depression494655663CONSELHO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICO - CNPQCOORDENAÇÃO DE APERFEIÇOAMENTO DE PESSOAL DE NÍVEL SUPERIOR - CAPES466760/2014; 479466/2011677/2012; 1577/201