Short Wave

Brain Scientists Are Tripping Out Over Psychedelics

Dec 21, 2022

Jon Hamilton, NPR's brain correspondent and an expert in neuroscience, joins the conversation about the resurgence of interest in psychedelics like MDMA and psilocybin. They delve into the therapeutic potential of these substances for treating mental health disorders such as depression and PTSD. The discussion also highlights the importance of navigating both the promises and perils of psychedelic treatments. Hamilton emphasizes the need for realistic expectations, comprehensive clinical oversight, and the growing involvement of companies in the psychedelic industry.

11:05

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Jon Hamilton

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Episode notes

Intro

2min

The Resurgence of Psychedelic Research

5min

Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Psychedelics on Brain Plasticity

2min

The Promises and Perils of Psychedelic Treatments

2min

The Incremental Promise of Psychedelics

3min

Psychedelic drugs – like LSD, salvia, ayahuasca, Ibogaine, MDMA (AKA ecstasy), or psilocybin (AKA 'magic mushrooms' or 'shrooms') – are experiencing a resurgence of interest in their potential medical benefits.

At the Neuroscience 2022 meeting held by the Society of Neuroscience, the appetite for psychedelic research permeated the sessions, discussions, and even after-hours barroom talk — drawing in researchers, neuroscientists, companies, reporters, and advocates alike.

"In the last couple of years there has been a lot of excitement in psychedelics. I think it started first in the popular media." says Alex Kwan, associate professor at Cornell University. "Neuroscience, actually, I think took another year or two to catch on."

Today on the show, host Aaron Scott and NPR's brain correspondent Jon Hamilton chat psychedelic drugs — whether this renewed interest will represent incremental or revolutionary changes in the fields of medicine, psychology, and neuroscience.

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