Episode
Dr. Matthew Johnson: Psychedelics for Treating Mental Disorders
2:51:56
Published: Mon Sep 20 2021
Description
This episode I discuss medical research on psychedelic compounds with Dr. Matthew Johnson, Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. We discuss the biology and medical clinical-trial uses of psilocybin, MDMA, ayahuasca, DMT, and LSD. Dr. Johnson teaches us what the clinical trials in his lab are revealing about the potential these compounds hold for the treatment of depression, addiction, trauma, eating disorders, ADHD, and other disorders of the mind. Dr. Johnson describes a typical psychedelic experiment in his laboratory, start to finish, including the conditions for optimal clinical outcomes. And he explains some of the potential hazards and common misconceptions and pitfalls related to psychedelic medicine. Dr. Johnson explains flashbacks, the heightened risks of certain people and age groups using psychedelics and the ever evolving legal and pharmaceutical industry landscape surrounding psychedelics. Dr. Johnson also explains how the scientific study of psychedelics is likely to set the trajectory of psychiatric medicine in the years to come. Dr. Johnson is among a small handful of researchers who have pioneered the clinical study of these powerful compounds. He has unprecedented insight into how they can be woven into other psychiatric treatments, changing ones sense of self and of reality. For the full show notes, visit hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1 (Athletic Greens): https://athleticgreens.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman Thesis: https://takethesis.com/huberman Supplements from Momentous https://www.livemomentous.com/huberman Timestamps (00:00:00) Introducing Dr. Matthew Johnson (00:02:27) Sponsors: AG1, LMNT, Thesis, Momentous (00:06:40) ‘Psychedelics’ Defined (00:14:09) Hallucinations, Synesthesia, Altered Space-Time Perception (00:19:56) Serotonin & Dopamine (00:23:50) Ketamine & Glutamate (00:28:00) An Example Psychedelic Experiment (00:37:30) ‘Letting Go’ with Psychedelics (00:44:10) Our Mind’s Eye (00:48:00) Redefining Your Sense of Self (00:58:56) Exporting Psychedelic Learnings to Daily Life (01:04:36) Flashbacks (01:12:10) Ayahuasca, & ASMR, Kundalini Breathing (01:15:54) MDMA, DMT (01:26:00) Dangers of Psychedelics, Bad Trips, Long-Lasting Psychosis (01:38:15) Micro-Dosing (01:56:45) Risks for Kids, Adolescents & Teenagers; Future Clinical Trials (02:03:40) Legal Status: Decriminalization vs. Legalization vs. Regulation (02:18:35) Psychedelics for Treating Concussion & Traumatic Brain Injury (02:27:45) Shifting Trends in Psychedelic Research, Academic Culture (02:44:23) Participating in a Clinical Trial, Online Survey Studies, Breathwork (02:50:38) Conclusions, Subscribing & Supporting the HLP, Supplements Title Card Photo Credit: Mike Blabac Disclaimer
Chapters
Dr. Andrew Huberman talks about the benefits of using personalized nootropics for cognitive enhancement and how compounds like psilocybin and LSD can help combat depression and trauma.
00:00 - 07:02 (07:02)
Summary
Dr. Andrew Huberman talks about the benefits of using personalized nootropics for cognitive enhancement and how compounds like psilocybin and LSD can help combat depression and trauma. He also discusses the importance of microbiome health for overall well-being.
EpisodeDr. Matthew Johnson: Psychedelics for Treating Mental Disorders
PodcastHuberman Lab
MDMA does not mimic the endogenous neurotransmitter serotonin like classic psychedelics do.
07:02 - 24:04 (17:01)
Summary
MDMA does not mimic the endogenous neurotransmitter serotonin like classic psychedelics do. Instead, it works by throwing out more of the natural endogenous and affects the pitcher side.
EpisodeDr. Matthew Johnson: Psychedelics for Treating Mental Disorders
PodcastHuberman Lab
The use of ketamine in high doses as a form of psychedelic therapy was popular in Russia in the 90s and early 2000s.
24:04 - 29:53 (05:48)
Summary
The use of ketamine in high doses as a form of psychedelic therapy was popular in Russia in the 90s and early 2000s. In recent years, ketamine clinics have been using the drug off-label and treating it as a form of psychedelic therapy, with promising results.
EpisodeDr. Matthew Johnson: Psychedelics for Treating Mental Disorders
PodcastHuberman Lab
The chemistry of drugs can have differing effects on the mind and body; while some resemble dopamine, others resemble serotonin, yet can still have similar effects at the receptor level.
29:53 - 42:31 (12:38)
Summary
The chemistry of drugs can have differing effects on the mind and body; while some resemble dopamine, others resemble serotonin, yet can still have similar effects at the receptor level. However, dosing is important due to the variance in the weight of the average human.
EpisodeDr. Matthew Johnson: Psychedelics for Treating Mental Disorders
PodcastHuberman Lab
The act of falling in love with a pen and the miracle of reality can lead to a transformed understanding of the self, regardless of any supernatural thinking.
42:31 - 50:39 (08:08)
Summary
The act of falling in love with a pen and the miracle of reality can lead to a transformed understanding of the self, regardless of any supernatural thinking. Though some may experience no perceptual effect with compounds such as psilocybin, manipulating certain systems in the body can be uncomfortable.
EpisodeDr. Matthew Johnson: Psychedelics for Treating Mental Disorders
PodcastHuberman Lab
The podcast discusses the concept of agency and how the words we use to define ourselves can have a significant impact on our psychology and sense of self, even if the concept of free will is debatable.
50:39 - 57:59 (07:20)
Summary
The podcast discusses the concept of agency and how the words we use to define ourselves can have a significant impact on our psychology and sense of self, even if the concept of free will is debatable.
EpisodeDr. Matthew Johnson: Psychedelics for Treating Mental Disorders
PodcastHuberman Lab
The speaker highlights the importance of listening, rather than dismissing someone's experiences, and suggests the use of reflective listening and unconditional positive regard to convey empathy and understanding towards others.
57:59 - 1:04:46 (06:46)
Summary
The speaker highlights the importance of listening, rather than dismissing someone's experiences, and suggests the use of reflective listening and unconditional positive regard to convey empathy and understanding towards others.
EpisodeDr. Matthew Johnson: Psychedelics for Treating Mental Disorders
PodcastHuberman Lab
This podcast episode discusses ASMR, ayahuasca, and MDMA.
1:04:46 - 1:15:33 (10:47)
Summary
This podcast episode discusses ASMR, ayahuasca, and MDMA. Some people report an increased sense of ASMR after using these substances, and the discussion explores the neuroscience behind these experiences.
EpisodeDr. Matthew Johnson: Psychedelics for Treating Mental Disorders
PodcastHuberman Lab
Dr. Matthew Johnson shares insights on the effects of psychedelics on the brain's serotonin and dopamine levels, as well as the potential for brain imaging to map out an individual's experiences while under the influence.
1:15:33 - 1:24:26 (08:53)
Summary
Dr. Matthew Johnson shares insights on the effects of psychedelics on the brain's serotonin and dopamine levels, as well as the potential for brain imaging to map out an individual's experiences while under the influence. He also discusses his personal experiences with exploring psychedelics.
EpisodeDr. Matthew Johnson: Psychedelics for Treating Mental Disorders
PodcastHuberman Lab
The podcast discusses how some well-known figures in areas like biology and psychology have no formal training, and how this can have negative consequences.
1:24:26 - 1:31:55 (07:29)
Summary
The podcast discusses how some well-known figures in areas like biology and psychology have no formal training, and how this can have negative consequences. They also compare how certain extreme physical practices, such as bodybuilding and contortionism, differ from more mainstream practices like yoga.
EpisodeDr. Matthew Johnson: Psychedelics for Treating Mental Disorders
PodcastHuberman Lab
The importance of conducting clinical trials for psychedelics in universities is highlighted.
1:31:55 - 1:39:23 (07:28)
Summary
The importance of conducting clinical trials for psychedelics in universities is highlighted. This would help in understanding and creating a transition towards legality while also ensuring the safe use of these compounds.
EpisodeDr. Matthew Johnson: Psychedelics for Treating Mental Disorders
PodcastHuberman Lab
There is ongoing research into the effects of microdosing psychedelics, such as LSD or psilocybin, which is believed to have subtle but positive impacts on focus and cognition.
1:39:23 - 1:50:21 (10:58)
Summary
There is ongoing research into the effects of microdosing psychedelics, such as LSD or psilocybin, which is believed to have subtle but positive impacts on focus and cognition. Double-blind research is necessary to better understand these effects.
EpisodeDr. Matthew Johnson: Psychedelics for Treating Mental Disorders
PodcastHuberman Lab
The potential effects of microdosing are not as significant as high-dose psilocybin in treating depression or addiction.
1:50:21 - 1:57:06 (06:44)
Summary
The potential effects of microdosing are not as significant as high-dose psilocybin in treating depression or addiction. However, there could be some negative effects in the long run, so it's important to weigh the potential benefits against the risks.
EpisodeDr. Matthew Johnson: Psychedelics for Treating Mental Disorders
PodcastHuberman Lab
This excerpt discusses the importance of considering factors such as age and sex when conducting medical research studies and emphasizes the need for rationale in the selection of study participants.
1:57:06 - 2:09:46 (12:39)
Summary
This excerpt discusses the importance of considering factors such as age and sex when conducting medical research studies and emphasizes the need for rationale in the selection of study participants.
EpisodeDr. Matthew Johnson: Psychedelics for Treating Mental Disorders
PodcastHuberman Lab
Anecdotal evidence and rodent research suggests that psychedelic compounds may lead to neuroplasticity, including the growth of dendrites and new connections between neurons, which may potentially lead to improvements in cognitive function and even repair of the brain from injuries such as repetitive head impact.
2:09:46 - 2:23:50 (14:04)
Summary
Anecdotal evidence and rodent research suggests that psychedelic compounds may lead to neuroplasticity, including the growth of dendrites and new connections between neurons, which may potentially lead to improvements in cognitive function and even repair of the brain from injuries such as repetitive head impact. However, drug criminalization and anti-federalism in certain areas may present barriers to widespread research and legalization of these substances.
EpisodeDr. Matthew Johnson: Psychedelics for Treating Mental Disorders
PodcastHuberman Lab
The use of psychedelics in neurological research has been a topic of controversy.
2:23:50 - 2:30:23 (06:32)
Summary
The use of psychedelics in neurological research has been a topic of controversy. The majority of interesting work has been funded by philanthropy, exploring the connection between psychedelics and the brain function to improve treatments for depression and cognitive function.
EpisodeDr. Matthew Johnson: Psychedelics for Treating Mental Disorders
PodcastHuberman Lab
The $17 million gift split between the Cohen Foundation and the Tim Ferriss Collaborative has transformed the work of psychedelic research and their ability to delve into this field with equipment, salary support, and the freedom to focus on the topic.
2:30:23 - 2:39:53 (09:29)
Summary
The $17 million gift split between the Cohen Foundation and the Tim Ferriss Collaborative has transformed the work of psychedelic research and their ability to delve into this field with equipment, salary support, and the freedom to focus on the topic. Smaller organizations connected to growing pockets of wealth have also held the flame alive during the darkest years when funding psychedelic research wasn't available
EpisodeDr. Matthew Johnson: Psychedelics for Treating Mental Disorders
PodcastHuberman Lab
Dr. Roland Griffiths, a pioneer in psychedelic research, shares insights on the growing interest in exploring psychedelics at the mechanistic level and the potential for participation in clinical trials for conditions like trauma, PTSD, and depression.
2:39:52 - 2:46:46 (06:53)
Summary
Dr. Roland Griffiths, a pioneer in psychedelic research, shares insights on the growing interest in exploring psychedelics at the mechanistic level and the potential for participation in clinical trials for conditions like trauma, PTSD, and depression.
EpisodeDr. Matthew Johnson: Psychedelics for Treating Mental Disorders
PodcastHuberman Lab
Check out clinicaltrials.gov to see ongoing studies for treating PTSD, major depressive disorder, and nicotine addiction with psychedelic substances like psilocybin and MDMA.
2:46:46 - 2:51:24 (04:37)
Summary
Check out clinicaltrials.gov to see ongoing studies for treating PTSD, major depressive disorder, and nicotine addiction with psychedelic substances like psilocybin and MDMA. Protocols for these treatments are very specific and must be followed legally.