TITLE

A Better Way to Zap Our Brains

DESCRIPTION

This fascinating article describes the cutting edge technology in understanding the brain in connection with differing psychological disorders.   The article provides details about the research wherein deep electrical implants are used to stimulate neurons and the corresponding changes in emotions, cognitions, and aspects of abnormal behaviors such as depression.  The article also discusses non-invasive techniques related to transcranial stimulation.

“The brain is an electrical organ. Everything that goes on in there is a result of millivolts zipping from one neuron to another in particular patterns. This raises the tantalizing possibility that, should we ever decode those patterns, we could electrically adjust them to treat neurological dysfunction — from Alzheimer’s to schizophrenia — or even optimize desirable qualities like intelligence and resilience… Brain stimulation, though, could one day remedy all kinds of conditions we now target inexactly with drugs,”

This is a good article coordinate with the text chapters on Biological Psychology and new advances in therapy for disorders.

SOURCE

New York Times, February 24, 2021, by Kim Tingley

LINK TO RESOURCE

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/24/magazine/brain-stimulation-mental-health.html?smid=em-share

(Tiny URL)  https://tinyurl.com/y8v4ecjs

CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

•The article discusses the case of a woman who experiences severe depression.  What procedures are being used to explore the brain areas using implanted electrical stimulation?

•What is the general hypothesis behind the research used in mapping the brain with stimulating electrodes?

•What types of disorders are the researchers attempting to learn about using these techniques?

•When all is said and done, what is the ultimate hope for this type of brain stimulation as regards psychological disorders?