Understanding & Conquering Depression | Huberman Lab Essentials
In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, I explore major depression, including its underlying biology and discuss science-based approaches to alleviate symptoms and improve mood.
I describe the wide-ranging symptoms of depression and explain how key neurotransmitters, hormones, stress, genetics and inflammation contribute to its development and persistence. I also cover treatment options, from traditional classes of antidepressant medications to emerging therapies such as ketamine and psilocybin. Finally, I highlight lifestyle-based tools, including exercise, supplementation and dietary strategies that can help manage depressive symptoms and promote mental well-being.
Episode show notes: https://go.hubermanlab.com/Tg17gmA
Huberman Lab Essentials are short episodes focused on essential science and protocol takeaways from past full-length Huberman Lab episodes. Watch the full-length episode: https://youtu.be/Xu1FMCxoEFc
Watch more Huberman Lab Essentials episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPNW_gerXa4OGNy1yE-W9IX-tPu-tJa7S
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*Timestamps*
00:00:00 Major Depression
00:01:10 Depression Symptoms
00:06:14 Pharmaceuticals for Depression, SSRIs; Norepinephrine, Dopamine & Serotonin
00:13:14 Thyroid Hormone, Cortisol, Stress & Depression, Menstrual Cycle, Genetics
00:16:23 Increase Norepinephrine, Tools: Deliberate Cold Exposure & Exercise
00:18:43 Chronic Inflammation & Depression, Tools: Omega-3s (EPA) & Exercise
00:23:52 Tool: Creatine Monohydrate Supplementation & Improving Depression
00:25:32 Novel Depression Therapies, Ketamine, Psilocybin
00:30:41 Ketogenic Diet & Refractory Depression, GABA
00:33:09 Recap & Key Takeaways
Disclaimer & Disclosures: https://www.hubermanlab.com/disclaimer
23 Comments
Thank you for watching! If you enjoyed this topic and episode, please click the “Like” button and subscribe to our channel on YouTube. Thank you for your interest in science! — Andrew
Thanks!
A big issue with SSRis is that the research is shockingly bad. A lot of studies shows no better result than placebo. When they do show a result better than placebo the benefit is not clinically noticeable for patients it’s around 2 points on the Hamilton Depression questionnaire. Given the short and longer side effects like feeling worse when you come off them that you did before you went on them I think they are best avoided.
Thank you, Andrew👍
Exhausted. Anhedonia. Sadness for no specific reason. 38 years of this.
Medications for the last 28
years. If I don’t take my medications every day, I simply cannot function.
I am depressed. And now I see this video in my feed
Long live our lord and savior Andrew Huberman
Great episode. The mind is powerful. I would love if you could have Dr. David Burns on the podcast.
Hi! I love your work, especially the episodes on depression, which I've been dealing with for over ten years.
I'd like to ask about ketamine and psychedelics: are there any studies on the potential of these drugs to worsen symptoms of derealization and depersonalization? I've suffered a lot with this and I believe you've never addressed the topic, which I consider important.
Thank you very much for your work; it has helped me a lot.
You forgot to mention how ssri’s have also ruined many lives and even contributed to deaths.
Lol, ultra mk ?
Are you OD or MD?
I started taking 1mg of EPA because you mentioned it in a previous episode and that has made a tremendous difference in how I experience life on a day to day basis. Amazing effort/benefit ratio. Thanks for sharing these insights!
Has any one found a way to get rid off anhedonia?
This is so true. Waking up early is a sign of depression.
I’ve been addressing clinical depression since 1990. I so WISH I could think my way out of it – Lord knows I’ve tried. I’ve begged, I’ve been to the best doctors, tried the latest medication only to still suffer. I’m turning 65 in a few weeks and what I’ve learned to do is take my medication, see my psychiatrist regularly, enter talk therapy including EMDR, as needed. Acceptance has been part of my journey. Love myself. Accept help and above all, stay honest. ❤
Thank you
Majorly depressed since high school.
Never goes away
One day you're on cloud 9
Next day you wana die, that goes on for day, weeks or months
Exercise, diet blah blah all works, but life loses its glow
I really love this guy.
Please consider adding vitamin D (hormone) to your list
People that like this should real the book ‘The Body Keeps The Score’…
A big part of it is men lack purpose now!
It must be debilitating I am fortunate that I don't often feel blue. We all have tough days but hope anyone feeling low gets a pick me up with these great videos.
👍👍