In brief, this studies suggests that exposure therapy is at the least not necessary and that through fMRI neurofeedback people can learn to change patterns of neural activation associated with fear learning. The same, of course, can be done with neurofeedback.
http://www.nature.com/
www.sebernfisher.com/fmri-functional-connectivity-of-the-periaqueductal-gray-in-ptsd-and-its-diss...
Here is a copy of the paper from Ruth Lanius et al that reports on the hyper functional connectivity between the periaqueductal gray, (PAG), the superior colliculus and the amygdala. The take home from this paper is that these reptilian structures at the juncture of the brain stem and the midbrain are the primary threat detectors and they in turn trigger the amygdala. This pattern of hyper connectivity was present in 100% of those screened in for developmental trauma. For 80% of them, one session of neurofeedback changed the pattern of connectivity showing new connections beginning between the pre-frontal cortex and the amygdala.
You should be reading about this on the front page of the Science Times, but since it’s not there, you’re getting it here. Neuroscience papers are rarely easy to read but see if you can make your way through this one. It’s ground breaking and suggests that we explore training at the brain stem, which many of us are.
I will be starting up my two NF mentoring groups soon - one on Sundays at 6 EDT beginning June 30 and the other on Wednesdays at 1 EDT beginning July 3. Join us! We’re talking quite a bit about this new focus of training. To inquire contact Patti at training@eeger.com
"A recent study identifies a type of neuron that had not previously been described that actively and spontaneously learns from decision-making by other individuals and simulates their mental processes."
Simulation neurons in amygdala allow animals to reconstruct mental state of others
news-medical.net
Psychologists and philosophers had long suggested that simulation is the mechanism whereby humans understand the minds of others.Thich Nhat Hanh Returns to Monastery in Vietnam Following Renovations |
Thich Nhat Hanh Returns to Monastery in Vietnam Following Renovations | Buddhistdoor
buddhistdoor.net
Thay seen attending ceremony at restored temple