Psychedelic Therapy for Depression: Hope or Hype?

This talk examines the scientific evidence for and against using psychedelics to treat depression. It considers placebo effects, how psychedelics work, and the history of biological psychiatry and psychotherapy.

Syllabus

Introducing alpha waves
Treating depression with the psychedelic Ayahuasca
Ayahuasca or placebo?
Are magic mushrooms more effective than existing antidepressants?
How hype can be harmful
How do psychedelics work?
The positives of the placebo effect
History of biological psychiatry
History of psychotherapy
Preventing abuse of power in psychotherapy
Stopping the psychedelic experience with a single receptor
Would psychedelic therapies be accessible to all?