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Psychedelic-based therapy shows incredible promise for treating veterans with PTSD

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River to River, hosted by Ben Kieffer

Psychedelic drugs like psilocybin and MDMA have become a very active area of medical research.

Psychedelic-based therapy shows great promise in treating disorders ranging from depression and anxiety, to chronic pain and PTSD. One of the populations that could benefit greatly from these treatments is U.S. veterans.

On this episode of River to River, host Ben Kieffer speaks with a Marine Corps veteran who now advocates for psychedelic-based therapy. Also, University of Iowa professor emeritus of psychiatry Dr. Michael Flaum and research scientist Candida Maurer discuss their research and an upcoming clinical trial. And an Iowa lawmaker discusses legislation related to the use of psychedelics.

This episode was originally produced March 16, 2023.

Guests:

  • Juliana Mercer, Marine Corps veteran, director of veteran advocacy, Healing Breakthrough
  • Michael Flaum, MD, professor emeritus of psychiatry, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
  • Candida Maurer, research scientist University of Iowa department of psychiatry in the psychedelic medicine program
  • State Rep. Jeff Shipley, R-Birmingham
Ben Kieffer is the host of IPR's River to River
Caitlin Troutman is a talk show producer for Iowa Public Radio. She holds a bachelor's degree from William Jewell College. Since 2022, Troutman has worked with IPR's talk team to bring news and features to IPR's listening audience.