TED: Could a drug prevent depression and PTSD? | Rebecca Brachman

The video explores the history of tuberculosis and its romanticized perception in the 1800s, leading to the accidental discovery of antidepressants like iproniazid and imipramine. It discusses the challenges of drug repurposing due to biases like functional fixedness and mental set. The development of SSRIs and their limitations are highlighted, followed by the introduction of Calypsol, a new antidepressant working on glutamate. The concept of stress resilience and the potential of paravaccines are explored, with a focus on policy challenges and the future of drug development.

How does the new drug Calypsol differ from traditional antidepressants?

What are paravaccines and how do they relate to mental health treatment?

What role does functional fixedness play in drug development?

What potential future developments in mental health treatment are suggested in the text?