Ravi Das is an associate professor based in the Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit (CPU) at University College London. His research aims to develop more effective treatments for substance use, eating and anxiety disorders, with a focus on neuroplasticity and memory modulation. To find out more about the CPU and upcoming studies visit www.cpu-research.org/ and www.psychedelicunit.com
Colloquium Presentation: 26 May 2023 – 2.30-4pm (WS 026)
Maladaptive Memory Modification with Psychedelics
I will overview the increasing research interest in potential therapeutic uses of ‘recreational’ psychoactive drugs, such as ketamine, nitrous oxide and dimethyltryptamine in mood, stress and substance use disorders. These drugs have a broad spectrum of effects, making identification of key therapeutic mechanisms difficult. I will focus particularly on a candidate therapeutic mechanism: interference with maladaptive memory, and outline potential ways this could be leveraged for next-generation treatments in mental health.