Depression, the Immune-Brain Interface, and Whole-Body Hyperthermia, Dr Charles Raison

YouTube Video

A fascinating interview with Dr Charles Raison on depression and its ancient evolutionary links to our immune system. As a professor and researcher in the field of psychiatry, he takes us on whirlwind tour of insights he has gained in the course of his career including discussions on why people with a predisposition to depression likely have robust immune responses to infection. Systemic inflammation becomes a central talking point: the nuance of the necessity and benefit of low levels of inflammation versus chronic, runaway inflammation is discussed; the costs and benefits of inflammation; the role of immuno-metabolic disturbances in the modern context; as well as the changes in diet; light exposure; and exposure to pathogens. He ends with a detailed discussion on the wisdom inherent in ancient practices such as sweat lodges, meditation, running, sensory depravation, consuming mind-altering substances, etc., in light of their impacts on the central nervous systems.

This resource is related to Course XV: Imbalance in Complex Systems. If you are interested in purchasing this course from our on-demand library of courses click here.

[Mental Health. Depression. Immune-Brain Interface. Whole-Body Hyperthermia. Dr Charles Raison.]