59. What Happens When You Give an Octopus MDMA? Opening the Critical Window for Accelerated Learning & Healing with Dr. Gul Dölen & Stefanie Cohen

Join Michaela Carlin and Stefanie Cohen for a fascinating conversation with neuroscientist, Dr. Dölen as she discusses her research, including her pioneering work with MDMA on octopuses, which has unveiled the possibility of using psychedelics to increase sociability in support of trauma healing, as well as her exploration of how psychedelics can help open “critical periods” of learning. She shares in great depth about the potential of applying such treatments for PTSD, addiction, and even post-stroke motor function recovery. The discussion also ventures into the possible use of psychedelics in treating genetic autism through reinitiating the social reward learning period. However, a note of caution is emphasized: consistent evidence is needed to prevent possible harm, especially with conditions like schizophrenia and autism. Future studies will concentrate on determining how the duration and intensity of psychedelic effects relate to the longevity of these reopened 'critical periods'.