Huberman Lab

Dr. Casey Halpern: Biology & Treatments for Compulsive Behaviors & Binge Eating

146 snips
Sep 26, 2022
Guest
Casey Halpern
Dr. Casey Halpern, Chief of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery at the University of Pennsylvania, explores groundbreaking treatments for compulsive behaviors and binge eating. He discusses the potential of deep brain stimulation to transform the lives of patients suffering from disorders like OCD and eating disorders. The conversation covers the complexities of binge eating, societal stigma, and how innovative techniques like transcranial magnetic stimulation could reshape psychiatric care, paving the way for future advancements in mental health treatments.
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INSIGHT

Neurosurgery Overview

  • Neurosurgery includes various specializations, from tumor removal to deep brain stimulation (DBS).
  • DBS, while a minority of neurosurgical procedures, involves modulating brain activity with electricity, similar to a pacemaker.
ANECDOTE

Unexpected DBS Benefits

  • Dr. Halpern has observed unexpected therapeutic effects of DBS, like improvements in mood or gambling addiction while treating tremor.
  • He finds the immediate tremor relief with DBS the most impressive and inspiring effect.
INSIGHT

OCD Spectrum and Treatment

  • OCD exists on a spectrum, with some obsessive-compulsive traits being beneficial.
  • Severe OCD, resistant to medication and therapy, requires invasive treatments like DBS or capsulotomy, but outcomes aren't always robust.
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