A therapeutic trip: From experience to epigenome with Dr. Candace Lewis скачать в хорошем качестве

A therapeutic trip: From experience to epigenome with Dr. Candace Lewis

We are entering a new phase of understanding how our social environments affect our biology, particularly how they influence the genes involved in brain development and function. This knowledge helps us see how experiences like stress, trauma, and isolation can cause changes at the molecular level that may increase the risk of mental disorders. On the other hand, we're also exploring how positive experiences induced by psychedelics, which create feelings of unity and insight, might lead to beneficial molecular changes. Most mental health disorders, whether psychiatric, neurodevelopmental, or neurodegenerative, arise from both genetic and environmental factors. Recognizing this, research now combines studies of these exposures with molecular biology to better understand how our behaviors and environments can directly impact our genetic expression, shedding light on why some people are more vulnerable to mental health issues. This field, known as behavioral epigenetics, explores how our experiences can shape our genetic makeup and influence our brain health. In this week’s episode of the Everything Epigenetics podcast, Dr. Candace Lewis shares her insights into epigenetics, discussing how early life stress can affect gene regulation and how attachment and societal influences shape our biology. The conversation then turns to psychedelics, with Candace outlining the history and ongoing research into their potential as a therapeutic tool for mental health disorders. She explains the mechanics of psychedelic-assisted therapy and the importance of understanding its broader context. We then chat about the therapeutic possibilities of psychedelics and their role in epigenetics, and the importance of creating a safe environment for individuals to explore their emotions and experiences with psychedelics. Candace draws parallels between acute stress and the psychedelic state, suggesting that research into psychedelics could reveal important information about the epigenetic changes they induce. Lastly, Candace also mentions the Psychedelic Genome Project and the significance of collecting genetic and epigenetic data to advance the field. Candace is currently the director of the BEAR Lab (Brain, Epigenetics, & Altered states Research) at Arizona State University aiming to acknowledge the harm caused by psychology and genetic sciences on minorly groups, increase diversity in training and study cohorts, and change policy to improve mental health for all. In this episode of Everything Epigenetics, you’ll learn about: The Brain, Epigenetics, & Altered states Research (BEAR) lab Complex relationships between experiences that shape cognition, mood, and behavior How stress, trauma, and lack of connection may lead to molecular changes that increase risk for mental disorders. Candace’s editorial: What is up with psychedelics anyway? How epigenetics shed light on psychedelic therapy MDMA-assisted therapy DNA methylation of gene systems involved in addiction, cognition, stress, and immune function The glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1) How DNA methylation is associated with MDMA-assisted therapy treatment response for severe - PTSD The hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis Similarities between the acute stress response and the psychedelic state The psychedelic Genome Project (PGP) Where to find Candace: The BEAR lab: https://thebearlab.org/ ASU profile: https://search.asu.edu/profile/1512157 LinkedIn:   / candace-lewis-bb116899   Dr. Lewis grew up in rural Alaska where she was exposed to high rates of poverty, mental illness, violence, and addictions. These personal experiences drove her commitment to revolutionize mental health understanding, treatment, and policy change. To this end, she earned a Masters in Counseling, a PhD in Behavioral Neuroscience, studied genomic science at a leading institution, and studied psychedelic science at the University of Zurich. She is currently the director of the BEAR Lab (Brain, Epigenetics, & Altered states Research) at Arizona State University. Her lab’s research focuses on 1) the impact of early life social experiences on epigenetic regulation of gene systems involved in mental health; 2) the relationships between peripheral epigenetics and brain structure, function, microbiome composition, and behavior; and 3) the potential of psychedelic-assisted therapy to reduce symptoms through psychological healing and epigenetic alterations. Through her research, she aims to acknowledge the harm caused by psychology and genetic sciences on minority groups, increase diversity in training and study cohorts, and change policy to improve mental health for all. When not working, Dr. Lewis enjoys family time with her three sons and wife, going to festivals, hiking, running, reading, creative writing, and talking all things spirituality, social justice, and science.