Simon Ruffell and Nige Netzband - Modulatory effects of ayahuasca on personality structure

Full title: Modulatory effects of ayahuasca on personality structure in an adapted traditional framework

Ayahuasca is a powerful psychoactive plant brew mix containing dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). It originates from certain communities within the Amazon basin and surrounding areas, where it’s used for ceremonial purposes. Westerners have begun entering such communities seeking alternative physical or psychological healing, as well as spiritual growth. Sensationalist media representations have resulted in exponential increases in ayahuasca tourism, highlighting the need for a thorough understanding of the brew.

This talk assesses the impact of ayahuasca on personality in a modified traditional framework as to cater for Westerners. Personality is typically deemed to be stable above the age of 30, and is measured using the five-factor model (NEO-PI3). Changes in personality are correlated with the extent of a perceived mystical experience (measured by MEQ30), following six ayahuasca sessions. Rationale is based on Maclean et al. (2011) which found a similar compound, psilocybin, caused long term increases in levels of Openness on the NEO-PI after a single administration. Current study sample group N=24 found significant increases in levels of Agreeableness from pre to post ingestion, along with significant reductions in levels of Neuroticism. Changes in both traits were sustained at the six month follow up. Trait level increases were also observed in Openness. Changes in neuroticism were found to correlate negatively with perceived mystical experience. These findings support the growing body of research that suggest therapeutic avenues for psychedelic compounds.

Simon graduated with a degree in medicine from the University of Sheffield before specialising in psychiatry. He has an interest in transcultural psychiatry, working overseas in Northern Uganda. He has a special interest in psychedelic research, namely ayahuasca, and has spent the last three years conducting research into the use of ayahuasca in an adapted traditional setting for Westerner's in the Peruvian Amazon. Simon is currently based at The Maudsley Hospital in South London, as well as working as a Senior Research Associate at King's College London looking at the use of psilocybin in treatment resistant depression.

Nige Netzband is a Psychology MSc and DPsych candidate. Since 2016, Nige has worked as a research psychologist with particular focus on psychopharmacology and experimental design. He has a keen interest in the therapeutic applications of psychedelics, namely investigating the potential of the psychoactive Amazonian brew, ayahuasca. In his spare time Nige volunteers for the psychedelic harm reduction service, PsyCare.