Boris Heifets

Boris Heifets, an assistant professor of anesthesiology at Stanford and author of a groundbreaking study on ketamine, dives deep into its dual role as both a battlefield anesthetic and a potential antidepressant. He discusses the rapid rise of ketamine clinics and the complexities behind its effectiveness—raising questions about whether its benefits stem from the drug itself or the patient's experience. They explore the surprising impact of expectation on treatment outcomes, illustrating the intricate dance between belief and healing in mental health.

Join Boris Heifets, a Stanford anesthesiologist researching psychedelic medicine, and Theresa Lii, his collaborator in exploring ketamine and the placebo effect. They dive into the surprising dynamics of ketamine in depression treatment. Discover how much of its efficacy stems from the drug versus the excitement of trial participation. They also discuss the complex interplay between the placebo effect and the opioid system, while challenging conventional views on placebo in psychiatric care, revealing its potential as a valuable aspect of treatment.

Boris Heifets, an assistant professor at Stanford's School of Medicine, discusses his research on the effects of ketamine on patients with depression under anesthesia. He also explores the impact of different environments on the effects of psilocybin in mice and reflects on the hype cycle of psychedelics.