Ayahuasca and Psilocybin's role in the treatment of depression: Comparative analysis
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Authors
Cicha, Gosia
Issue Date
2020-07-10
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
plant medicines , plant teachers , psychedelics , psychedelic substances , psychedelic compounds , psycho-spiritual medicines , entheogens , depression
Alternative Title
Abstract
Over the last 15 years, psychedelic research has been slowly fighting for its right to be considered as valid and necessary. With the growing mental health and addictions crisis its reemergence and validation couldn't come at a better time. The shortcomings of the current mental health treatments thirst for a reform, or at least a new paradigm. The preliminary research using Ayahuasca and Psilocybin in treatment of depression and other mental health conditions is therapeutically and scientifically promising. This thesis describes the limitations of the Eurocentric view of mental health, and undertakes a comparative analysis of research material on the use and study of Ayahuasca and Psilocybin in the treatment of depression. I will draw on personal as well as professional and academic resources to present objective observations, hypotheses and conclusions. Lastly, I will provide a table comparing both of the psychedelic plants in the areas of potential side effects, preparation and accessibility and short-and long term effects on mood and life satisfaction.