Change Your Brain...

Submitted by caleb.flynn on Tue, 07/27/2010 - 00:44

Received something interesting (links to video at bottom of post). I have to admit that the first bit I was a little distracted by some work that I needed to get done but as the presentation continued it grabbed more of my attention. Basically it's an expansion of the scientific approach to psychology/psychiatry using "brain scans" (MRI believe). Particular areas of the brain can be observed to better diagnose disease & therefore provide more accurate treatment.

I like the doctor's approach however there were a couple things that hit me during the video. He likened treatment for a psychiatric disease to corrective lenses, that without correction the same result will keep happening. I like to have a little more faith in the human mind's ability to over come obstacles. In fact, when I was without my glasses (or contacts) for a period of time (1 month) my eyesight improved. Dr Amen addressed a possible explanation later in the series when talking about different medications/over prescribing.

Getting back to the point of overcoming obstacles, I personal describe the human condition of being aware of one's self. Once aware of yourself, including actions, thoughts & needs we as a species are able to create & destroy with astonishing efficiency. We are able to overcome mind boggling obstacles. This I categorize as distinctly human.

That being said some of the examples (husband & wife) could probably be remedied with a little education, self awareness & communication without prescribing medication or changing diet. Being aware of your behavior & your mates needs (from both parties) is paramount & I believe should be able to be overcome depending on the severity of the condition.

More serious cases (psychsophrenia) may not be able to be overcome even if aware. The whole distortion of reality really puts a damper on one's ability to be aware of self & surroundings.

The long & short of it is that I think people really worry too much about being "normal". There really is no normality beyond yourself. I'm all for people feeling good & taking care of themselves but when it turns into hypochondria or an excuse for your inability to do something then I feel like it needs to be checked.

Part 1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tI1UEPrYkE

Part 2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmQaaPMIh0A&NR=1

Part 3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5B7OMj2FUA&NR=1

Part 4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGJzOWsBlbA&NR=1

Part 5

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOTlVlwW1SA&NR=1

Part 6

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxpNFQQJ-XY&NR=1