Merging ancient practices with modern science, Dr. Susan Russell explores the benefits of psilocybin as a therapeutic aid for mental health disorders, focusing on its potential impact on conditions like depression and body dysmorphic disorder. The episode discusses the intricacies of psilocybin therapy, including its history, current research, efficacy, and the importance of psychotherapy in achieving successful treatment outcomes.

• Exploring psilocybin's historical context and cultural significance
• Understanding the neuroscience behind psilocybin and its impacts on brain connectivity
• Personal journey of Dr. Russell into psilocybin research
• Investigating psilocybin's role in body dysmorphic disorder treatment
• Caution regarding efficacy and variability of treatment outcomes
• The necessity of therapy as a component of psilocybin experiences
• Current regulatory challenges in psilocybin therapy implementation
• Future research directions and emerging trends in psychedelic therapy

Dr. Susan Rossell is a clinical neuropsychologist and cognitive neuroscientist, recognized internationally for her pioneering research in mental health and neurocognitive disorders. Originally from the UK she is now based in Australia. She serves as a Professorial Research Fellow at Swinburne University of Technology and was the inaugural Director of its Centre for Mental Health. Her expertise spans schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, and anxiety, focusing on both neuroimaging and cognitive mechanisms.

Over her career, she has published more than 250 peer-reviewed articles and her research has helped bridge the gap between neuroscience and mental health treatment.

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