Charles L. Raison: Elucidating the role of conscious experience in the therapeutic effects of psychedelics as a means to optimize clinical outcomes

Abstract

Charles Raison, MD, is a Professor of Human Ecology and Psychiatry in the Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Raison also serves as Director of Clinical and Translational Research for Usona Institute, as Director of the Vail Health Behavioral Health Innovation Center, Director of Research on Spiritual Health for Emory Healthcare, and as Visiting Professor in the Center for the Study of Human Health at Emory University in Atlanta, GA. Dr. Raison's research focuses on the examination of novel mechanisms involved in the development and treatment of major depression and other stress-related emotional and physical conditions, as well as his work examining the physical and behavioral effects of compassion training. More recently, Dr. Raison has taken a leadership role in the development of psychedelic medicines as potential treatments for major depression. He was named one of the world's most influential researchers by the Web of Science for the decade 2010–2019. With Vladimir Maletic, he is author of The New Mind-Body Science of Depression published by W.W. Norton in 2017. We are happy to share Dr. Raison's perspectives on his life and career with our readers.