There is a lot of buzz about psychedelic medicine these days. With two recent clinical trials demonstrating the ability of psilocybin (aka magic mushrooms) to treat major depression, MDMA (ecstasy) on track for FDA approval in 2023 to treat PTSD, and more clinicians and patients exploring ketamine as a treatment option, there is more evidence and interest in these compounds than ever before. Multiple major academic centers have opened dedicated psychedelic research centers including Harvard, NYU, Johns Hopkins, and University of Minnesota.
We are fortunate to have an insider’s view on this movement as a member of our clinical group. Xiaojue Hu, MD, is a psychiatrist, clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at NYU, and a psychedelic researcher as part of the NYU group investigating the use of psilocybin to treat depression. Dr. Hu recently attended the Horizons Conference in New York City and joined me to share her insights and updates on this fascinating topic as she answers some basic questions about psychedelic medicine today.
Show Notes
[01:17] Xiaojue fills me in on the Horizons psychedelic conference she attended in NYC.
[03:11] I asked Xiaojue all about her work and the fascinating research she is involved with.
[04:30] Xiaojue tells me about what happens to somebody with depression when they take a compound like, like psilocybin.
[06:45] What exactly happens in a psilocybin research setting.
[09:50] How certain compounds in psychedelic drugs are playing a role in treatment
[13:20] MDMA’s role in psychiatry, specifically in PTSD
