The Dissenter

#872 Heather Berlin: Impulsive and Compulsive Disorders, and the Study of Consciousness

7 snips
Dec 11, 2023
Heather Berlin, an Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Neuroscience at Icahn School of Medicine, dives deep into the fascinating world of impulsive and compulsive disorders. She elaborates on conditions like kleptomania and OCD, revealing how they overlap and their neural mechanisms. The conversation shifts to the complexities of consciousness, tracing its historical roots and examining the unconscious mind's role in creativity. Additionally, Berlin tackles the controversies in scientific theories surrounding consciousness and the importance of effective science communication.
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INSIGHT

Neural Basis of Disorders

  • Impulsive disorders show decreased activation in the orbital prefrontal cortex, while compulsive disorders show overactivation.
  • The basal ganglia play a role in compulsive behaviors.
INSIGHT

Disruptive Impulse Control

  • Kleptomania, pyromania, and conduct disorders involve disruptive impulse control.
  • These behaviors offer a reward or high, making it difficult to stop despite negative consequences.
INSIGHT

Impulsivity and Consequences

  • In impulsive disorders, individuals prioritize immediate desires over potential consequences.
  • They struggle to override urges, even when aware of the negative outcomes.
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