Brain HealthHow Psychedelics and Brain Stimulation Are Rewiring Depression and PTSD
This Huberman Lab Essentials episode features the late Dr. Nolan Williams, a triple board-certified psychiatrist and neurologist from Stanford, discussing breakthrough treatments for depression and PTSD. He explains how transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) works by targeting specific brain circuits, how it compares to SSRIs, and why the chemical imbalance theory of depression is oversimplified. Dr. Williams also covers the neurobiology of psychedelics including psilocybin, MDMA, ibogaine, and ayahuasca, explaining how each compound affects brain connectivity and behavior. Highlights include Stanford's SAINT protocol for rapid-acting TMS therapy and early research on ibogaine and ayahuasca for trauma and behavioral change. This episode is also a tribute to Dr. Williams, who passed away in 2025.
