In a recent event on March 27, 2024, UC Berkeley professors delved into the evolution of psychedelic substances, their effects on the human brain and mind, and their potential therapeutic role. Gül Dölen, an endowed chair in psychology, psychedelics, and neuroscience and a professor in the Department of Psychology at UC Berkeley, highlighted the importance of understanding the state of susceptibility and vulnerability that occurs during psychedelic trips. She emphasized the need to focus on the weeks following a trip to integrate the insights gained into long-term memory networks that support learned behaviors.
During this critical period, Dölen stressed the importance of providing a safe and supportive environment for individuals. She likened this period to childhood learning experiences when individuals are highly receptive to new information and ideas. The panelists included Daniela Kaufer, Noah Whiteman, Michael Silver, as well as Imran Khan who moderated the event.
Kaufer is a professor in the Department of Integrative Biology and in the Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute at UC Berkeley and also serves as an associate dean of biological sciences. Whiteman is a professor of integrative biology and molecular and cell biology at UC Berkeley and 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 as well as faculty director at Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute.