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“Ayahuasca turned on my mind’s eye”: Enhanced visual imagery after ayahuasca intake in a man with “blind imagination” (aphantasia)

DOI: 10.1556/2054.2018.008
dos Santos, R. G., Enyart, S., Bouso, J. C., Pares, Ò., & Hallak, J. E. C. (2018). “ayahuasca turned on my mind’s eye”: enhanced visual imagery after ayahuasca intake in a man with “blind imagination” (aphantasia). Journal of Psychedelic Studies, 2(2), 74–77. doi:10.1556/2054.2018.008

Abstract

Aphantasia ("blind imagination") is a poorly described condition with an uncertain etiology, characterized by reduced or lack of voluntary visual imagery. Preliminary evidence in humans suggests that hallucinogenic or psychedelic drugs that act as agonists of cortical 5-HT2A receptors [lysergic acid diethylamide, psilocybin, and dimethyltryptamine (DMT)] enhance visual imagery. Interview and description of the case are presented in this study. A man self-diagnosed with long-lasting aphantasia that he attributed to a traumatic separation from his father when he was young and to a difficult relationship with him described sustained improvements in his visual imagery following ingestion of a single dose of the South American botanical hallucinogen ayahuasca, which is rich in DMT. Although improvements were modest, they were sustained and significative for the subject. It is suggested that the described improvements were possibly attributed to biological and psychological processes, including stimulation of cortical 5-HT2A receptors, subsequent increased activity in the visual cortex, enhanced imaginative and imagery capacities, and psychosomatic resolution of a previous psychological trauma. Further trials could elucidate the role of 5-HT2A agonists, especially ayahuasca, in aphantasia.

Authors

  • Rafael G. dos Santos1
  • Scotty Enyart1
  • José Carlos Bouso1
  • Òscar Pares1
  • Jaime E. C. Hallak1

Overview/Introduction

Aphantasia, often referred to as "blind imagination," is a condition where individuals have little to no ability to create voluntary visual images in their minds. This condition is not well understood, and there are currently no established treatments. However, recent research suggests that certain hallucinogenic drugs might enhance visual imagery. This study explores a unique case where a man with aphantasia experienced improved visual imagery after consuming ayahuasca, a hallucinogenic brew rich in dimethyltryptamine (DMT).

Methodology

The study is based on a detailed interview and case description of a 39-year-old man, Scotty Enyart, who self-diagnosed with aphantasia. He attributed his condition to a traumatic separation from his father during childhood. After consuming ayahuasca in a ritualistic setting in the Amazon, he reported significant improvements in his ability to visualize mental images. The researchers suggest that these improvements may be linked to the stimulation of specific brain receptors and the resolution of psychological trauma.

Key Findings

  • Improved Visual Imagery: After taking ayahuasca, Scotty experienced visual imagery for the first time, describing scenes involving his deceased father and grandfather.
  • Emotional Resolution: The ayahuasca experience allowed Scotty to confront and resolve deep-seated emotional issues related to his father, leading to a sense of forgiveness and self-worth.
  • Sustained Effects: Although the improvements in visual imagery were modest, they were sustained over time, suggesting a lasting impact.

Implications

This case suggests that ayahuasca and similar hallucinogens could potentially be used to help individuals with aphantasia. The experience not only enhanced visual imagery but also facilitated emotional healing. This points to the possibility that aphantasia might have psychological roots, particularly in cases linked to trauma. Further research could explore the therapeutic potential of these substances in treating aphantasia and other conditions involving impaired visual imagery.

Limitations

While the findings are intriguing, they are based on a single case study, which limits the generalizability of the results. The improvements in visual imagery might be influenced by the unique psychological and environmental context of the ayahuasca experience. More extensive trials are needed to determine whether these effects can be replicated in a larger population and to understand the underlying mechanisms.
In conclusion, this study opens up new avenues for research into the treatment of aphantasia and highlights the potential of ayahuasca as a tool for psychological healing and enhancement of mental imagery.