When

Wednesday, 20 Nov. 2024

Where

MIND Foundation Office, Boxhagener Str. 78, 10245 Berlin, Germany


Speaker
David Nutt

INSIGHT Forum (EN): More or different? Thoughts on the therapeutic mechanisms of psychedelics - Prof. Dr. David Nutt

Attention: We are SOLD OUT! We have reached the maximum capacity for our venue. And there will be NO TICKET SALES AT THE DOOR. We wish to accommodate everyone, but need to be mindful of safety and physical limitations. Thank you for understanding.

For our 14th INSIGHT Forum, we are honored to welcome Prof. David Nutt, one of the world’s foremost neuropsychopharmacologists and a leading figure in the resurgence of psychedelic research. As a pioneer in the field psychedelic science, has dedicated his career to the study of psychoactive substances that affect the brain, particularly in the context of addiction, depression, and anxiety. In this INSIGHT Forum event, Prof. Nutt will delve into the latest research on how psychedelics such as psilocybin and DMT are offering new hope to individuals suffering from treatment-resistant depression.

David Nutt is not only renowned for his pioneering work on the clinical application of psychedelics but also for his bold reassessment of the harms posed by psychoactive substances. His 2010 study, published in The Lancet, which ranked alcohol as the most harmful drug and psilocybin mushrooms as among the least harmful, sparked intense debate and upended traditional societal views on drugs. This work built on his earlier research, which had already led to his controversial dismissal as chair of the UK’s Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) in 2009. Nutt's efforts to reframe drug harm, including his comparison of horse-riding risks with ecstasy, continue to fuel discussions on drug policy and regulation. Through Drug Science, the organization he co-founded after leaving the ACMD, Nutt has remained a leading voice advocating for evidence-based drug policy reform.

Over the past decade, Prof. Nutt has spearheaded numerous clinical trials at Imperial College London, exploring the potential of psychedelics like psilocybin and DMT to treat mental health disorders, particularly depression. This includes the first clinical trial comparing psilocybin-assisted therapy to conventional antidepressants with psychotherapy in depression treatment. In his INSIGHT Forum talk, Prof. Nutt will focus on the growing body of evidence suggesting that psychedelics could offer rapid and lasting relief for individuals with treatment-resistant depression, in stark contrast to traditional antidepressants. He will explore the fundamental differences in the pharmacology and brain mechanisms of psychedelics, which may position them as an entirely new class of mental health treatments.

Prior to the Rationale presentation, the evening will begin with a meditative Transrationale experience, helping participants attune to the theme of transformation and the complex mechanisms of action particular to psychedelic substances.

Following the talk, participants will have the opportunity to engage with Prof. Nutt in a Q&A session, where we will dive deeper into the scientific, societal, and therapeutic implications of his work.

Don't miss this opportunity to hear from one of the leading voices in psychedelic research and gain insight into the future of mental health treatment.

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