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How Do Psychedelics Work?

Apr 18, 2024

Gul Dolen, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at UC Berkeley, discusses the common mechanism that psychedelics use to affect the brain, potentially helping those with mental illness and neurological issues like strokes. The podcast explores the intersection of psychedelics and critical periods in brain development, the benefits of combining psychedelics with therapy for stroke recovery, and speculative theories on psychedelics and allergies.

32:28

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Episode guests

Gul Dolen

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Psychedelics like ketamine and MDMA may share a common neurobiological mechanism for therapeutic effects beyond mental illness treatment.

Research suggests that psychedelics could induce critical period reopening, impacting social learning and potentially aiding in stroke recovery.

Deep dives

Psychedelics Potential Beyond Mental Illness

Psychedelics like ketamine and MDMA are being studied for therapeutic use beyond mental illness treatment. The shared therapeutic effects of psychedelics pose a question about their common neurobiological mechanism, potentially offering benefits in areas like stroke recovery.

Introduction

2min

Psychedelics, Critical Periods, and Brain Rejuvenation

14min

Psychedelics and Therapy Interventions

4min

Psychedelics and Physical Therapy for Stroke Patients

11min

Creating Value Through Specialized Advisory Services

2min

Speculative Theories on Psychedelics and Allergies

4min

Concluding Remarks and Sponsor Ads

2min

Psychedelics are going mainstream. The FDA has approved ketamine for certain patients with depression, and may soon approve MDMA for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). But a fundamental question remains unclear: How do psychedelics work?

Gul Dolen is a professor of psychology and neuroscience at UC Berkeley. In a series of experiments, Gul has found evidence of a common mechanism that a wide range of psychedelics use to affect the brain. If Gul is correct, these drugs may be useful not only for people suffering from mental illness, but also for people dealing with neurological problems like strokes.

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What's Your Problem?

How Do Psychedelics Work?

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Psychedelics Potential Beyond Mental Illness

Exploring Critical Periods in Neural Function

Psychedelics Mechanism and Synapse Modification

Testing Psychedelic Therapy for Stroke Patients

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts