TED Talks Daily Could psychedelics help patients in therapy? | Benjamin Lewis
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Jul 5, 2024 
Benjamin Lewis, a psychiatrist at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute, is pioneering clinical trials on psychedelic-assisted therapy. He discusses how psilocybin, found in magic mushrooms, shows promise in treating depression and burnout, particularly in group therapy settings. The communal aspect enhances emotional healing, especially for cancer patients and healthcare workers. Lewis emphasizes the need for structured therapeutic frameworks to unlock the full potential of psychedelics, making a case for their transformative role in mental health.
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Disconnection and Mental Health
- Many mental health struggles stem from disconnection: from ourselves, each other, community, and the earth.
- This profound disconnection is a public health crisis, highlighting the need for reconnection.
Psilocybin and Reconnection
- Psilocybin, found in magic mushrooms, is an emerging treatment focused on reconnection.
- It acts on the brain's serotonin system, revealing hidden aspects of the mind and fostering a sense of connection.
Clinical Trial Participants
- Dr. Lewis's clinical trials involved cancer patients and frontline healthcare workers experiencing depression.
- Both groups, despite surface differences, shared a common thread of disconnection.