Dr. Charles Raison, MD: Depression - An Evolutionary Perspective

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Dr. Charles Raison, MD, joins us in a wide-ranging discussion of depression from an evolutionary lens considering the role of inflammatory processes in the pathophysiology of depression; the potential adaptive role of depressive symptoms in the face of adverse environmental circumstances; potential pitfalls with respect to current diagnostic conceptualizations of depression; unintended side-effects of treatment of depression with antidepressants; and, the opportunity to leverage difficult circumstances for personal growth.  We also briefly touch on emerging evidence around psychedelic compounds in the treatment of depression as well as the potential utility of meditation practices.     

Dr. Raison is the Mary Sue and Mike Shannon Chair for Healthy Minds, Children & Families in the School of Human Ecology and a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Dr. Raison has written and published over 100 scientific papers as well as over 20 review papers and editorials. Chapters he has written have been featured in over 30 books, and he has written two books, most recently The New Mind-Body Science of Depression. The recipient of several teaching awards, Dr. Raison has received research funding from the National Institute of Mental Health, National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. His visionary work focuses on the treatment of depression in response to illness and stress, translating neurobiological findings into novel interventions. In addition to his activities at University of Wisconsin-Madison, Dr. Raison is the mental health expert for CNN.com.