Uploaded February 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 days ago
Ketamine is the most important breakthrough in mental health in 50 years, says Thomas Insel, MD, former director of the National Institutes of Mental Health. The science and application of treating mental health is developing rapidly. Multiple studies have demonstrated the efficacy of ketamine to treat suicidality, depression, and PTSD. Controversial psychedelics like ketamine save lives.
Suicide, a tragic event often preceded by significant pain, has been on the rise in recent years despite increased psychiatric treatment. However, what may surprise many is that there is a treatment that often brings immediate relief and reduces suicidality: Ketamine. Imagine if your loved one is determined to end their life, and you could get them help. Ketamine, a treatment that is not new but legal and readily available, could be the answer.
What exactly is it? Is it safe? Is it right for you or your loved one? After this lecture, you will understand:
1. Suicide’s devastating cost to society and how to prevent it
2. How ketamine stops suicide in its tracks
Meet Dr. Edwards, a practicing anesthesiologist and visiting physician at the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC). With 20 years of experience, he has used ketamine extensively to treat mental health issues. He co-authored The Revolutionary Ketamine with famed author Gavin de Becker to spread the message that ketamine can save lives.
Dr. Edwards grew up in the Mojave desert in California, aspired to be a professional motocross racer, and then decided to attend medical school. Dr. Edwards received his A.S. at Victor Valley Community College, a B.S. in physiology at UC Davis, an M.D. at the Eastern Virginia Medical School, Internal Medicine at the University of Nevada, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at the University of Utah, Neurology at the University of Claude Bernard in Lyon, France, and completed his Anesthesiology residency in Tampa at the University of South Florida.
After years in private practice, Dr. Edwards decided to return to research and is currently a PhD student in Neurophysiology at the University of Paris. Dr. Edwards has also published several books, including Stopping Pain, about a procedure to treat chronic pain, Suicide, COVID-19, and Ketamine, The Art & Science of the Marathon with Dr. Veronique Billat. Dr. Edwards is an accomplished cyclist aspiring to a professional level He’s been the team doctor for several professional cycling teams, tennis players, UFC, and motocross athletes.
This lecture is part of the IHMC Evening Lecture series.
ihmc.us/life/evening_lectures
Ketamine is the most important breakthrough in mental health in 50 years, says Thomas Insel, MD, former director of the National Institutes of Mental Health. The science and application of treating mental health is developing rapidly. Multiple studies have demonstrated the efficacy of ketamine to treat suicidality, depression, and PTSD. Controversial psychedelics like ketamine save lives.
Suicide, a tragic event often preceded by significant pain, has been on the rise in recent years despite increased psychiatric treatment. However, what may surprise many is that there is a treatment that often brings immediate relief and reduces suicidality: Ketamine. Imagine if your loved one is determined to end their life, and you could get them help. Ketamine, a treatment that is not new but legal and readily available, could be the answer.
What exactly is it? Is it safe? Is it right for you or your loved one? After this lecture, you will understand:
1. Suicide’s devastating cost to society and how to prevent it
2. How ketamine stops suicide in its tracks
Meet Dr. Edwards, a practicing anesthesiologist and visiting physician at the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC). With 20 years of experience, he has used ketamine extensively to treat mental health issues. He co-authored The Revolutionary Ketamine with famed author Gavin de Becker to spread the message that ketamine can save lives.
Dr. Edwards grew up in the Mojave desert in California, aspired to be a professional motocross racer, and then decided to attend medical school. Dr. Edwards received his A.S. at Victor Valley Community College, a B.S. in physiology at UC Davis, an M.D. at the Eastern Virginia Medical School, Internal Medicine at the University of Nevada, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at the University of Utah, Neurology at the University of Claude Bernard in Lyon, France, and completed his Anesthesiology residency in Tampa at the University of South Florida.
After years in private practice, Dr. Edwards decided to return to research and is currently a PhD student in Neurophysiology at the University of Paris. Dr. Edwards has also published several books, including Stopping Pain, about a procedure to treat chronic pain, Suicide, COVID-19, and Ketamine, The Art & Science of the Marathon with Dr. Veronique Billat. Dr. Edwards is an accomplished cyclist aspiring to a professional level He’s been the team doctor for several professional cycling teams, tennis players, UFC, and motocross athletes.
This lecture is part of the IHMC Evening Lecture series.
ihmc.us/life/evening_lectures
