PT490 – Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris – Plasticity, the Role of Set and Setting, and the Influence of Psychedelics
Feb 27, 2024
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Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris discusses psychedelics, plasticity, set and setting in research. Talks about origins, early LSD studies, potential for pain management, fibromyalgia, anorexia, and therapeutic benefits of psychedelics. Explores cultural impact of MDMA on nightclub culture.
Research on psychedelics explores plasticity in the brain, potentially aiding chronic pain relief.
5-MeO-DMT study reveals chaotic brain activity patterns during altered consciousness states.
Advancements in imaging techniques enhance understanding of neural processes during psychedelic experiences.
Deep dives
Psychedelic Therapy Potential in Treating Different Types of Pain
Psychedelics, particularly in the context of psychedelic therapy, show promising potential for treating different types of pain, including chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia syndrome and phantom limb pain. The entrenchment and habitual aspects of such pain may be effectively addressed through psychedelic interventions, offering a paradigm shift in pain management approaches.
Investigating 5-MeO-DMT for Consciousness Probing and Neurodynamic Variability
Delving into the unique subjective effects of 5-MeO-DMT and its corresponding neurodynamic shifts presents an intriguing avenue for exploring consciousness states and brain activity variability. By examining how 5-MeO-DMT induces a phase of chaos-like brain activity transcending regularity, researchers can gain insights into the neural underpinnings of altered states of consciousness.
Evolving Research Focus on Mechanistic Understanding and Imaging Innovations
Advancements in psychedelic research involve a shift towards deeper mechanistic understanding through innovative imaging techniques such as fMRI and EEG within individual subjects. By exploring the brain dynamics during psychedelic experiences, researchers aim to refine treatment approaches and enhance safety by targeting specific neural processes.
Cultural Evolution and Multi-Generational Acceptance of Psychedelics
Observing the normalization and acceptance of psychedelics across generational divides in cultural hubs like San Francisco reflects a broader societal evolution towards embracing psychedelic discussions and experiences. The diversity of perspectives and wisdom shared within the psychedelic community underlines the multi-faceted nature of psychedelic exploration and cultural integration.
Synergistic Interplay of Drug Effects and Social Context in Transforming Cultural Behaviors
The transformative power of drugs like MDMA in altering social behaviors and fostering unity within cultural contexts highlights the intricate interplay between pharmacological effects and social environments. By catalyzing positive shifts in social dynamics and promoting empathetic connections, psychedelic substances like MDMA have demonstrated profound potential in reshaping collective experiences and attitudes.
In this episode, Joe interviews Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris: founder and head of the Centre for Psychedelic Research at Imperial College London, founding director of the Neuroscape Psychedelics Division at University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), and founder of the Carhart-Harris Lab.
A legendary researcher, he talks about his psychedelic origins: studying Freud, Jung, and eventually Stan Grof and depth psychology to try and better understand the unconscious. He discusses the growth of psychedelics and the cultural shifts he’s noticed (especially in the U.S.), as well as what he’s working on today: researching the influence of psychedelics on set and setting by studying experiences in both enriched and unenriched environments.
He also talks about:
Plasticity: how he defines it, how it relates to critical reopening periods, and how it’s a fundamental thing that transcends the metrics we use to measure it
Early LSD studies, the nervousness surrounding he and David Nutt dosing Ben Sessa, and the youthful energy that kept them going
How plasticity could be exploited to help relieve chronic pain
The potential of psychedelics to help with fibromyalgia and anorexia
How psychedelic-assisted therapy brought care back to health care
and more!
UCSF is seeking survey volunteers, so if you’ve had more than three experiences with ketamine, MDMA, and psilocybin (must have experiences with all three) and want to contribute, do so here. Click here to head to the show notes page.
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