ARCHIVE: From Dead Heads to Depression Meds: How Psychedelics are Impacting Mental Health

ARCHIVE: April 25, 2024
Gain valuable insights into the therapeutic potential of psychedelics. Psychedelics reduce inflammation and promote neural plasticity, producing healing effects on the brain and lasting benefits for patients. Whether you're a mental health professional, researcher, advocate, or simply curious about the intersection of psychedelics and mental health, this event offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the conversation shaping the future of mental health care.

Join us to hear from the Director of the UC Davis Institute for Psychedelics and Neurotherapeutics, Dr. David E. Olson, associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry and molecular medicine. He will share how psychedelics induce neuroplasticity and why that is relevant to treating a variety of brain conditions. Viewers will also learn about the institute's efforts to develop safe, effective and more scalable analogues of psychedelics.

[Video Description: The session opens with a pre-recorded video introducing Dr. David E. Olson, a UC Davis professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine. He appears in a medium close-up against an office setting while speaking about his research, which uses chemistry to engineer psychedelic compounds without hallucinogenic properties to support the repair of damaged neural circuitry. As he speaks, brief clips from his laboratory appear intermittently on screen. Light instrumental music plays in the background during this segment.

Following the opening video, the music ends and the screen transitions to a navy blue and purple title card featuring UC Davis “Expect Greater” branding. We are then introduced to Jason Wohlman, associate vice chancellor of University Development and moderator of the session. He appears in a medium close-up against a navy-blue background with UC Davis branded graphic elements.

Dr. David E. Olson presents on how psychedelics influence neuroplasticity and their potential relevance in treating a range of brain-related conditions. During this portion, he is accompanied by a slideshow that includes supplementary images and scientific diagrams illustrating chemical compounds and neural processes.

As the session progresses, the format transitions into a moderated question-and-answer discussion. Jason Wohlman reappears alongside Dr. Olson in a side-by-side layout, both framed against dark, UC Davis–branded backgrounds. Jason Wohlman poses questions submitted by attendees, and Dr. Olson responds, occasionally appearing individually on screen while answering.

Visual aids, including images and diagrams, are present during the presentation portion to support the spoken content. No on-screen text or graphics appear during the question-and-answer segment. The remainder of the session consists of spoken audio only. All speakers are clearly audible throughout.

At the conclusion of the session, Jason Wohlman delivers closing remarks with an ending slide, highlighting the importance of the research discussed and providing direction for viewers interested in learning more or supporting related initiatives.]