The Huberman Lab Podcast discusses neuroscience: how our brain and its connections with the organs of our body control our perceptions, our behaviors, and our health. We also discuss existing and emerging tools for measuring and changing how our nervous system works. Dr. Andrew Huberman is a tenured Professor of Neurobiology and Ophthalmology at Stanford School of Medicine. His laboratory studies neural regeneration, neuroplasticity, and brain states such as stress, focus, fear, and optimal performance. For more than 20 years, Dr. Huberman has consistently published original research findings and review articles in top-level peer-reviewed journals, including Nature, Science, Cell, Neuron, and Current Biology. He is a regular member of several National Institutes of Health review panels and a Fellow of the McKnight Foundation and the Pew Charitable Trusts. Dr. Huberman regularly consults for technology development companies, professional athletic organizations, and various units of U.S. and Canadian Special Operations.

Essentials: Understanding & Conquering Depression

July 03, 2025 0:40:43 0.0 MB Downloads: 0

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.

Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com.

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Timestamps

00:00:00 Major Depression

00:01:10 Depression Symptoms

00:06:14 Sponsor: BetterHelp

00:07:33 Pharmaceuticals for Depression, SSRIs; Norepinephrine, Dopamine & Serotonin

00:14:33 Thyroid Hormone, Cortisol, Stress & Depression, Menstrual Cycle, Genetics

00:17:43 Sponsor: AG1

00:19:20 Increase Norepinephrine, Tools: Deliberate Cold Exposure & Exercise

00:21:40 Chronic Inflammation & Depression, Tools: Omega-3s (EPA) & Exercise

00:26:49 Sponsor: Our Place

00:28:41 Tool: Creatine Monohydrate Supplementation & Improving Depression

00:30:20 Novel Depression Therapies, Ketamine, Psilocybin

00:35:29 Ketogenic Diet & Refractory Depression, GABA

00:37:57 Recap & Key Takeaways

Disclaimer & Disclosures

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