Can psychedelics heal the mind?
Early research suggests that psychedelic-assisted therapy may help people recover from depression, addiction, PTSD, and more.🧵
October 24, 2022
Psychedelics are being studied to treat depression, addiction, and more
Can psychedelics cure? Scientists are investigating how hallucinogenic substances can have a positive effect on people struggling with a range of mental health conditions.
Photo via @novapbsPsychedelics are being studied to treat depression, addiction, and more
Some psychedelics may actually change the way brain regions talk to each other.
“It’s like reprogramming the operating system of a computer. You’re getting down to very basic, code-level changes,” says Dr. Roland Griffiths.
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One theory is that a brain region called the claustrum acts like a switchboard in the brain, possibly explaining why psychedelics can help reset rigid behaviors and thought patterns.
Here’s how it works:
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“Brain regions may be talking to each other in a way that they typically don’t,” says Dr. Fred Barrett. “And they may be talking to each other in radically different ways than they normally do.”
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The idea that psychedelics can heal isn’t new. Indigenous peoples around the world have used plant-based psychedelics for thousands of years.
“To me, peyote is a very intimate, medicinal herb.” - Adrian Primeaux, Yankton Sioux Tribe
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Learn how psychedelics are being studied as treatment for mental health conditions today—and the fascinating history that led here: to.pbs.org/3VyhIf6
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For many years, claims that psychedelics can provide clinical benefits have been disputed. Studies are proving these claims go far beyond theory. But how? Take a deep dive with here:
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If you enjoyed last night’s on psychedelic medicine, check out our dive into the research on #MDMA, #psilocybin and other psychedelic drugs. Eye-opening!
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