Tripping for depressionTripping for depression
All In The Mind
In 1966, as a reaction to disturbing reports of people having bad trips, the psychedelic drug LSD was banned in the U.S. Now some scientists are seeing promising results from studies into the therapeutic benefits of using psychedelic drugs to treat mental illness.
29:05•4 Aug 2019
Tripping for Depression: Psychedelics, the Brain and Stuck Moods
Episode Overview
- Classic psychedelics act on the serotonin system, differ from dopamine-based drugs, and are not associated with dependence in clinical research settings.
- LSD and psilocybin sessions can temporarily loosen rigid thought patterns, including those linked to depression and addiction, sometimes followed by a positive "afterglow."
- A small psilocybin trial with treatment-resistant depression showed substantial short-term reductions in depression and anxiety scores for many participants.
- Careful attention to mindset, physical environment, dose and professional support is presented as crucial for safety and beneficial outcomes.
- Early observational work on LSD microdosing suggests reductions in depression, anxiety and stress, but far less evidence for big boosts in creativity or general wellbeing.
“"It's as if it's ever saying to itself, 'I'm so depressed, I'm so depressed,' or 'I need a drink, I need a drink.' And what a psychedelic does is shake that free."”
How do people find strength in their journey to sobriety? This episode of All In The Mind takes a sideways look at that question by focusing on psychedelics, depression, and the strict conditions under which some scientists think these drugs might help.
You’ll first hear a young woman describe "dot land" on a Thai mountain as one of her best LSD trips, then Rick Doblin shares how acid helped him get closer to difficult feelings and loosen his rigid emotional control. From there, the program shifts to carefully controlled clinical work rather than party stories.
Psychiatrist Dr David Aritzo from Imperial College London explains how classic psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin act on the serotonin system, don’t cause dependence, and can trigger intense states of "bliss, insightfulness" and even mystical-style experiences. He outlines a small trial in which 20 people with treatment‑resistant depression received psilocybin in a highly structured hospital setting with preparation, music, eye shades and continuous professional support.
Many participants showed marked drops in depression and anxiety scores, and some remained in remission months later. Drug policy reformer Amanda Fielding describes LSD’s impact on the brain’s default mode network, linking "ego dissolution" to a loosening of rigid patterns, whether that’s repetitive negative thinking, addiction, or long‑standing low mood. Her team’s imaging work suggests that during LSD sessions "the whole brain is lit up with communication" and some people then experience an optimistic "afterglow".
Finally, Dr Vince Polito breaks down the hype around LSD microdosing. His observational study found reductions in depression, anxiety and stress, but not the big jumps in creativity people brag about online, and he’s careful to stress the need for cautious, controlled research.
If you’re curious about how cutting‑edge science is reassessing once‑vilified drugs without ignoring their risks, this thoughtful conversation gives plenty to chew on: how might altering consciousness reset a stuck mind, and where should the safety lines be drawn?
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