Unlocking the Brain's Secrets: Dr. Gül Dölen on Psychedelics and Critical Periods
Episode Overview
Dr. Gül Dölen's research challenges traditional views on addiction and neuropsychiatric illnesses Psychedelics such as MDMA, LSD, psilocybin, ketamine, and ibogaine show promise in reopening critical periods in the brain Insights into brain plasticity and gene regulation shed light on the therapeutic potential of psychedelics The episode provides valuable perspectives on reshaping mental healthcare through innovative research Dr. Gül Dölen's work unveils a fresh perspective on the intricate workings of the brain and the potential of psychedelics in treating a range of conditions
The durable improvements for really, really entrenched neuropsychiatric illness like heroin addiction and really bad PTSD seem to respond best to Ibogaine suggests that this is because Ibogaine is able to keep that critical period open longer and really enable people to do the work for a longer amount of time after the acute subjective effects have worn off.
Imagine a world where the brain's capacity to learn and adapt can be reignited, offering new hope for those battling addiction and mental health challenges. In this episode of 'Root Medicine', Amanda Siebert chats with Dr. Gül Dölen, a neuroscience expert from Johns Hopkins University, about her fascinating research on psychedelics and their potential to reopen 'critical periods' in the brain.
These critical periods are times when the brain is particularly receptive to learning and change, usually occurring during early development. But what if these windows could be reopened later in life through the use of psychedelics like MDMA, LSD, psilocybin, ketamine, and ibogaine? Dr. Dölen's groundbreaking studies, including giving MDMA to octopuses, suggest this might be possible. Her work could revolutionize how we understand and treat neuropsychiatric conditions and addiction.
Join the conversation as they dive into the science behind these critical periods, the surprising results from animal studies, and the potential risks and benefits of using psychedelics in this way. Whether you're a mental health professional, someone on a personal healing journey, or simply curious about the cutting-edge of neuroscience, this episode promises to be an enlightening listen.