Psychedelics for Treating Mental Disorders | Dr. Matthew Johnson

Andrew Huberman Neuroscience Body & Health

About this video

Dr. Matthew Johnson, a professor of psychiatry at Johns Hopkins who directs its Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, walks Huberman through research on psychedelics such as psilocybin and LSD for treating depression, trauma, and other mental disorders. Dr. Johnson discusses microdosing and more typical macrodosing, and describes what a laboratory session treating depression looks like from start to finish. In the slices, the pair discuss MDMA: Huberman notes his understanding that MDMA robustly increases both dopamine and serotonin, and Dr. Johnson speculates that reduced amygdala reactivity may help people reprocess memories differently. Dr. Johnson suggests MDMA may carry a lower chance of an extremely challenging experience than classic psychedelics, while stressing that which compound suits which condition is not yet known. Dr. Johnson also emphasizes that he never encourages people to take drugs, noting every drug has its risk.

Key takeaways

Dr. Johnson describes research on psilocybin and related compounds for depression and trauma.
Dr. Johnson discusses both microdosing and macrodosing and what a clinical session entails.
Dr. Johnson speculates that reduced amygdala reactivity under MDMA may aid memory reprocessing.
Dr. Johnson stresses that it is not yet known which psychedelic best suits which disorder.
Dr. Johnson emphasizes that he does not encourage drug use and that every drug has risks.

Episode details: published September 20, 2021 · 620K views · 2:52:05 long. Summary written by Self Growth Videos from the episode itself. The science and protocols described are Andrew Huberman’s, presented for education — not medical advice. Consult a qualified professional before changing your own health practices.

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