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Updated: Feb 9, 2026
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MRI-guided dmPFC-rTMS as a Treatment for Treatment-resistant Major Depressive Disorder
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Cortisol Modulation by Ayahuasca in Patients With Treatment Resistant Depression and Healthy Controls.
Ana C de Menezes Galvão1,2, Raíssa N de Almeida1,2, Erick A Dos Santos Silva1
1Laboratory of Hormone Measurement, Department of Physiology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil.
Frontiers in Psychiatry
|June 6, 2018
Summary
Ayahuasca rapidly normalized a blunted cortisol awakening response in patients with treatment-resistant depression, suggesting its potential as an antidepressant. This psychedelic may help regulate cortisol levels, crucial for depression treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Major depression affects 350 million globally, with 30% treatment-resistant.
- Psychedelics like ayahuasca show promise for rapid antidepressant effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate ayahuasca's effect on plasma and salivary cortisol in treatment-resistant depression.
- To compare cortisol responses between patients and healthy volunteers.
Main Methods:
- Single-dose ayahuasca or placebo administered to patients and controls.
- Plasma and salivary cortisol measured at baseline and 48 hours post-dose.
- Salivary cortisol also measured during the dosing session.
Main Results:
- Patients exhibited blunted cortisol awakening response and hypocortisolemia at baseline.
- Ayahuasca ingestion increased salivary cortisol in both groups compared to placebo.
- Post-dose, patients' salivary cortisol awakening response normalized to control levels.
- No significant changes in plasma cortisol were observed.
Conclusions:
- Ayahuasca modulates salivary cortisol levels in healthy and depressed individuals.
- Cortisol dysregulation is implicated in depression; ayahuasca may offer a therapeutic avenue.
- Further research into ayahuasca for depression treatment is warranted.
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