psychedelic therapy, a talk with robin carhart-harris [video]
Mar 28, 2024
auto_awesome
Neuroscientist Robin Carhart-Harris discusses psychedelics' therapeutic potential and founding a center for psychedelic research. Topics include LSD experiences, molecular impact on the brain, benefits for mental health, transformative potential in daily life, and exploration of spirituality.
Psychedelics like LSD, psilocybin, and DMT can positively impact brain function and help improve conditions such as depression, anorexia, and fibromyalgia, showing promising results in treating mental health issues.
The term 'psychedelic' originates from 'soul-revealing,' suggesting that substances like LSD, psilocybin, and DMT can open the mind to new perceptions and insights, enhancing perceptual experiences.
Deep dives
Importance and Therapeutic Potential of Psychedelics in Mental Health
Psychedelics have gained attention for their therapeutic potential in treating mental health issues, as discussed by researcher Robin Carr Harris. His pioneering work at Imperial College London focuses on how psychedelics like LSD, psilocybin, MDMA, and DMT can positively impact brain function and help improve conditions such as depression, anorexia, and fibromyalgia. Studies have shown promising results in using psychedelics to alleviate human suffering and enhance quality of life.
Defining Psychedelics and their Impact on Perception and Insight
The term 'psychedelic' originates from 'soul-revealing,' suggesting that these drugs can open the mind to new perceptions and insights. Substances like LSD, psilocybin, and DMT are known for inducing visual and perceptual distortions that can lead to profound experiences. While some consider MDMA and ketamine as psychedelic adjacent due to their effects, classic psychedelics primarily focus on revealing the mind and enhancing perceptual experiences.
Personal Motivation and Journey into Psychedelic Research
Robin Carr Harris shares that his interest in psychedelics stemmed from a deep passion for understanding the complexities of the human mind. Influenced by psychology and psychoanalysis, he discovered the historical use of psychedelics in psychotherapeutic settings. This realization led him to explore psychedelics' potential for revealing the unconscious mind and dissolving ego boundaries, ultimately shaping his career path towards psychedelic research.
Impact of Psychedelics on Brain Function and Long-Term Changes
Psychedelics like LSD, psilocybin, and DMT interact with serotonin receptors in the brain, leading to altered brain activity and potentially revealing repressed emotions and memories. Studies have shown enduring changes in brain anatomy following psychedelic experiences, hinting at long-lasting effects. While overdosing on psychedelics is rare and not typically fatal due to toxicity, the intensity of the experience can lead to profound psychological challenges and transformations.
[video available on spotify] i've dabbled in the world of psychedelics a little bit. i've taken mushrooms a few times, but i really don't know a lot about psychedelics. however, it's becoming an increasingly more relevant topic as it's been revealed that they can help with mental health issues and have therapeutic qualities. robin carhart-harris is a pioneer and leading researcher in neuroscience and psychopharmacology, best known for his groundbreaking work on how psychedelics affect the brain and how they can be used to treat mental health issues. in 2019, he founded the world's first center for psychedelic research at imperial college london. basically, he’s all about using psychedelics to help human suffering to improve the quality of people's lives. so today, we're going to learn a new definition of psychedelics with robin carhart-harris.