In this episode, my guest is Nolan Williams, M.D., a triple board-certified psychiatrist, neurologist and professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford School of Medicine. He is also the Director of the Stanford Brain Stimulation Lab. We discuss clinical applications for brain stimulation, behavioral protocols and novel drug treatments to halt and reverse mental health disorders, including depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We first discuss the neural circuits for self-identity and mood and stress control. We discuss Dr. Williams’ work using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to depression, trauma, PTSD, and other mood disorders. We then dive deep into the history, biology, modern use, and safety margins of the various psychedelics, including MDMA, LSD, ketamine, ibogaine, ayahuasca, and psilocybin, as well as cannabis and the use of SSRIs in both adults and children. Finally, we discuss behavioral treatments for mental health disorders, including sleep and sleep deprivation, light exposure, exercise, and training to control the brain-heart-rate pathways. Regardless of age, all those interested in mental health should benefit from the incredible breadth and depth of Dr. Williams’ knowledge and the clarity with which he conveys that information.For the full show notes, visit hubermanlab.com.Thank you to our sponsorsAG1: https://athleticgreens.com/hubermanLMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/hubermanlabWaking Up: https://wakingup.com/hubermanMomentous: https://livemomentous.com/hubermanTimestamps(00:00:00) Dr. Nolan Williams, Brain Stimulation & Depression Treatment(00:03:48) Sponsors: LMNT(00:09:16) Depression, Risk Factors, Emergency Psychiatric Treatments(00:15:11) The Brain-Heart Connection, Vagus Nerve, Prefrontal Cortex(00:17:51) Right vs. Left Brain Hemispheres & Mood Balance, Connectome(00:22:34) Heart Rate & Depression, Behavioral Interventions, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)(00:33:02) Prefrontal Cortex & Cognitive Control, TMS(00:35:30) Sponsor: AG1(00:39:00) Belief/Identity “Rules”, Re-scripting, TMS & Talk Therapy(00:45:49) Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex, TMS & Depression Treatment(00:48:36) Cingulate Cortex & Emotion, Dissociation & Catatonia(00:54:27) Ketamine, the Opioid System & Depression; Psychedelic Experience or Biology?(01:03:42) SSRIs, Serotonin & Depression; Childhood, Chemical Imbalance or Circuit?(01:13:58) Memories & “Rule” Creation; Psilocybin & “Rule” Resolution(01:21:00) MDMA & Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Treatment, Psilocybin & Depression Treatment(01:24:12) Is MDMA Neurotoxic?, Drug Purity, Dopamine Surges, Post-MDMA Prolactin(01:30:38) Psilocybin, Brain Connectivity & Depression Treatment(01:34:53) Exposure Response Prevention: “Letting Go” & Depression Treatment(01:41:23) Normal Spectrums for Mental Health Disorders(01:45:35) Ibogaine & “Life Review”; PTSD, Depression & Clinical Trials(01:57:16) Clinical Use of Psychedelics(02:01:59) Ayahuasca, Brazilian Prisoner Study(02:06:55) Cannabis: THC, CBD & Psychosis, Clinical Uses(02:14:52) Personal Relative Drug Risk & Alcohol(02:20:42) Circadian Reset for Depression, Sleep Deprivation, Light(02:28:43) Stanford Neuromodulation Therapy (SNT) Study(02:34:25) Space Learning Theory & TMS Stimulation(02:45:35) Zero-Cost Support, YouTube Feedback, Spotify & Apple Reviews, Sponsors, Huberman Lab Premium, Neural Network Newsletter, Social MediaDisclaimer

Dr. Nolan Williams, associate professor at Stanford, discusses the future of mental health treatments. Topics include brain stimulation, rapid-acting antidepressants, biomarkers for predicting treatment response, and alternative therapies for addiction.

Neuroscience expert Nolan Williams discusses the real cause of depression, the potential of psychedelics and transcranial magnetic stimulation in treating depression, and the link between depression and heart attack risk. They also explore the impact of early life trauma, nutrition, exercise, and social media on mental health. Other topics include the connection between diet, gut health, and depression, the role of circuits in schizophrenia, and the effects of psychedelics on serotonin receptors and brain health.

Dr. Nolan Williams, a triple board-certified psychiatrist, delves into the root causes of depression and the importance of regaining control. Topics include TMS for treatment-resistant depression, scalable mental health solutions, and the role of habits in mental well-being.

Leading neurologist Dr. Nolan Williams discusses the therapeutic potential of psychedelics for mental health, including Ibogaine for addiction and MDMA for trauma. The podcast explores FDA-approved research, brain plasticity, and the history of psychedelics, highlighting their promising results in non-recreational uses.