On March 27, 2024, UC Berkeley professors gathered to discuss the evolution of psychedelic substances and their effects on the human brain and mind. During the event, moderated by Imran Khan, the executive director of the Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics (BCSP), panelists included Psychology Professor Gül Dölen, Daniela Kaufer, Noah Whiteman, and Michael Silver.
Dölen emphasized the importance of understanding the state of susceptibility and vulnerability that occurs during psychedelic trips, likening it to childhood learning experiences. She stressed that individuals need to focus on integrating the insights gained during these trips into long-term memory networks that support learned behaviors in order to fully realize their potential therapeutic role. Dölen also highlighted the need for a safe and supportive environment during this critical period.
Kaufer is a professor in both Integrative Biology and the Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute as well as an associate dean of biological sciences. Whiteman is a professor of Integrative Biology and Molecular and Cell Biology who serves as faculty director of Essig Museum of Entomology. Silver is a professor in Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry and Vision Science at UC Berkeley’s Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, serving as faculty director for BCSP.
During this event, panelists discussed various aspects related to psychedelic substances such as their historical backgrounds, current research findings, potential therapeutic uses and risks associated with them. They also provided insights into ongoing clinical trials involving psychedelics such as LSD-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD treatment.
Overall, this discussion sheds light on how psychedelic substances can be used to treat mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders or depression through therapy sessions guided by trained professionals while ensuring safety measures are taken into account.
The event was held at UC Berkeley’s campus where experts from various fields gathered together to share their knowledge about psychedelics. The panelists were experts in different areas including psychology
