CALENDAR ALERT
WHAT:
OHSU Brain Awareness lecture series
WHEN:
7 p.m. Mondays: May 6, 13, 20
WHERE:
Newmark Theatre, 1111 S.W. Broadway, Portland
DETAILS:
Can we rewire and heal our brains using natural, alternative treatments? This year’s Brain Awareness lectures explore the influence of the mind-body connection on such challenges as addiction, psychosis and end-of-life anxiety. Top national neuroscience researchers will talk about complementary and alternative methods to overcome negative emotional and psychological cycles.
Hosted by the OHSU Brain Institute, the Brain Awareness lecture series began in 2000.
LECTURE DETAILS:
Good vibes only: Treating addiction with mindfulness (May 6)
Can using mindfulness and meditation techniques help people reduce the intake of harmful substances and prevent relapse? Katie Witkiewitz, Ph.D., is a Regents’ professor of psychology at the University of New Mexico with a joint appointment at the Center on Alcoholism, Substance Abuse, and Addictions. A licensed clinical psychologist, Witkiewitz has studied models of addiction and evaluated the success of mindfulness-based therapies.
Lifestyle tweaks for teen psychosis (May 13)
For teens with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders, the medication they need can also lead to an inactive lifestyle and harm their health. Lynne Shinto, N.D., M.P.H., professor of neurology and obstetrics and gynecology in the OHSU School of Medicine, will discuss her research evaluating the safety and effectiveness of complementary and integrative therapies including yoga, meditation and even cooking meals.
Magic mushrooms: Easing depression and anxiety at end of life (May 20)
Could the ancient practice of using psychedelic compounds for insight and healing have a legitimate and safe role in today’s health care? Anthony P. Bossis, Ph.D., conducts FDA-approved clinical trials in the reemerging field of psychedelic research. A clinical psychologist and clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at the NYU School of Medicine, he leads research exploring the effects of psilocybin, a naturally occurring compound found in specific species of mushrooms.