Episode 51: Robin Carhart-Harris: The promise of psychedelics
Oct 16, 2023
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Psychedelic researcher Robin Carhart-Harris discusses the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics and their impact on the unconscious mind. They explore the debate between neurorealism and the cognitive fallacy, blinding integrity in psychedelic trials, and the relationship between potential information and complexity theory. The podcast also delves into the psychedelic experience, insights gained from psychedelic trips, the potential of video therapy, harm reduction education, and ongoing projects in psychedelic research.
Psychedelic therapy combines drugs like psilocybin and LSD with psychotherapy to enhance therapeutic outcomes.
Studies have shown that psychedelics have the potential to be a more effective treatment option for depression compared to traditional antidepressant medications.
The increased plasticity in the mind and brain caused by psychedelics, combined with therapeutic support, can lead to lasting psychological change.
Psychedelic therapy creates a therapeutic environment that amplifies the effects of the drug and therapy, fostering personal growth and behavioral changes.
Deep dives
Psychedelic therapy: A synergistic combination of drug and contextual manipulation
Psychedelic therapy involves the combination of a drug, such as psilocybin or LSD, with psychotherapy or contextual manipulation. The aim is to open up the mind and brain, increasing plasticity and sensitivity, while providing psychological support and guidance throughout the experience. The therapy component helps prepare individuals for the psychedelic experience, creates a sense of trust and safety, and facilitates integration of insights and experiences after the session. The combination of the drug and therapy is believed to enhance therapeutic outcomes, going beyond the effects of either component alone.
Promising results in the treatment of depression
Recent studies have shown promising results in the use of psychedelics for the treatment of depression. Studies utilizing psilocybin, LSD, and other psychedelics have reported response rates of around 70% or higher in patients with depression, including those with treatment-resistant depression. These response rates have shown to be superior to traditional antidepressant medications like SSRIs. This suggests that psychedelics have the potential to be a more effective treatment option for depression.
Understanding the mechanisms of action
The mechanisms of action underlying the therapeutic effects of psychedelics are still being investigated. One prevailing hypothesis is that psychedelics increase plasticity in the mind and brain, allowing for greater change and flexibility. This may be facilitated by the drug's ability to enhance neuroplasticity and alter brain activity, as evidenced by changes in signal complexity and entropy in the brain. The combination of increased plasticity and therapeutic support in psychedelic therapy may help individuals gain new perspectives, resolve deep-seated psychological issues, and foster lasting psychological change.
Synergy between drug and psychotherapeutic support
Psychedelic therapy relies on the synergy between the drug and the psychotherapeutic support provided. The drug opens up the mind and enhances plasticity, while the therapy component helps guide and integrate the experiences and insights gained during the psychedelic session. Together, this combination aims to create a therapeutic environment that fosters personal growth, insights, and behavioral changes. By working in tandem, the drug and therapy amplify each other's effects, providing a transformative experience for individuals seeking healing and mental health improvements.
The Canalization Model and Mental Health
The podcast episode explores the canalization model, which proposes that the entrenchment of certain ways of thinking and behaving is a key component of mental illness. The speaker discusses how properties of an organism can become canalized, meaning they become fixed and resistant to change. This process of canalization is the inverse of plasticity, which refers to the ability to change and adapt. The speaker suggests that excessive associative plasticity, which is often seen as beneficial in learning, may contribute to psychiatric disorders by leading to over-learning and entrenched patterns of thinking and behavior.
Psychedelics and Plasticity
The podcast episode delves into the potential impact of psychedelics on plasticity. The speaker explains that psychedelics have a generalized pro-plasticity effect, meaning they increase the potential for change in the brain and mind. The experience of psychedelics is characterized by ego dissolution and the breaking down of established beliefs and assumptions. This opening of the mind to new possibilities and insights may be a key factor in the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics. The speaker also discusses the importance of set and setting in psychedelic experiences and suggests that psychedelics may enhance the efficacy of therapy by increasing plasticity and facilitating change.
Challenges in Psychedelic Therapy and Future Directions
The podcast episode delves into the challenges and future directions of psychedelic therapy. The speaker highlights the cost and practicality issues associated with psychedelic therapy in a healthcare system. They discuss the potential role of technology, such as machine learning and virtual reality, in making therapy more accessible and affordable. The speaker also explores the potential of remote therapy through video sessions or app-based interventions. They emphasize the need for regulation and oversight in psychedelic therapy to ensure safety and efficacy. Finally, the speaker shares their excitement about ongoing research projects, including studying the mechanisms of insight during psychedelic experiences and exploring the synergy between psychedelic drugs and therapy.
Joe and Rolf talk to psychedelic researcher Robin Carhart-Harris. Robin is at the cutting edge of research on the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics such as psilocybin (magic mushrooms), LSD, and DMT. He discusses psychotherapy and the unconscious mind, models of what psychedelics are doing in the brain, and many other topics. A really fascinating and in-depth conversation.
You can find links to his published research as well as a series of videos on harm reduction at the following link:
