Exploring the neurobiological mechanisms of ketamine, psychedelics, and other rapid antidepressants
The recent development of novel, fast acting, and durable antidepressant treatments such as Ketamine, Brexanolone, and Psilocybin has disrupted our view of the neuroscience and treatment of mood disorders. Our focus is research into the basic and translational science of how these drugs work.
Anyone interested is welcome to participate!
When: 3rd Monday of the month, 3:00p
Where: HYBRID: Couch Building 2nd floor conference room (Medical Campus) and Zoom
Organizer: Joshua Siegel (Resident, WashU Psychiatry)
Note that individual events are listed on the ONR Calendar.
2023 Schedule
For inquiries contact Joshua Siegel.
January 23*, 2023 – NOTE date
Victoria DeLeon (WashU Psychiatry)
“Ketamine and Nitrous Oxide for Acute Suicidality”
Papers to review:
- “Esketamine Nasal Spray for Rapid Reduction of Major Depressive Disorder Symptoms in Patients Who Have Active Suicidal Ideation With Intent: Double-Blind, Randomized Study (ASPIRE I)” Journal of Clinical Psychiatry (2020)
- “Esketamine Nasal Spray for Rapid Reduction of Depressive Symptoms in Patients With Major Depressive Disorder Who Have Active Suicide Ideation With Intent: Results of a Phase 3, Double-Blind, Randomized Study (ASPIRE II)” Journal of Clinical Psychiatry (2021)
February 27, 2023
Rescheduled from February 20
Charles Zorumski (WashU Psychiatry)
Topic: New initiative to fund antidepressants research at WashU through the Taylor Foundation
Below are two papers that have just come out that may be of interest to you.
- Vargas, et al. Psychedelics promote neuroplasticity throughthe activation of intracellular 5-HT2A receptors. Science 379, 700–706 (2023)
- Zanos, et al. NMDA Receptor Activation-Dependent AntidepressantRelevant Behavioral and Synaptic Actions of Ketamine. The Journal of Neuroscience, February 8, 2023 • 43(6):1038–1050
March 20, 2023
Manoj Doss (Johns Hopkins University)
“Cinco Sins of Psychedelic Science”
April 17, 2023
Alex Kwan (Cornell University)
“Visualizing drug actions on dendrites: from ketamine to psilocybin”
May 15, 2023
Charles Conway (WashU Psychiatry)
“A Phase II trial of Nitrous Oxide for TRD”
June 26, 2023 – NOTE date
Candace Lewis (Arizona State University)
“Harnessing the malleable epigenome in the pursuit of healing”
