Bliv medlemSøndag den 17. september • 16:30 – 17:30
Abstract:
“Ayahuasca is an Amazonian plant tea combining the natural psychedelic dimethyltryptamine (DMT) with pharmacologically active beta-carboline alkaloids. Its acute administration to humans induces an introspective state of awareness characterized by dream-like visions, enhanced self-reflection, and recollection of autobiographical memories in an intensely emotional experience. In my presentation I will give an overview of the pharmacology and neuroscience of ayahuasca, from molecular-level interactions to its modulation of brain dynamics. I will also present evidence of its capacity to change pathological patterns of thought and behaviour, such as those observed in depression and addiction. I will discuss how these changes in life attitudes may result from the enhancement of certain psychological capacities that allow individuals to observe their own thoughts and emotions in a more healthy manner. Finally, I will present data from three independent clinical studies demonstrating symptom reductions in patients with treatment-resistant depression.”