Memories vs Learning in the Neurodivergent

Non-neural Support Astrocytes complement Neurons in Memory/Motor Function.

The generic belief is that all Brain cells are Neurons.
Too easy to be true.
There’s a bunch of non-neural Glial cells in the brain.
Astrocytes belong to this category and the most influential in removing old synapses obstructing the acquisition of new skills.
They have their specific individual structure linked to the MEGF 10 Receptor, where inactive synapses are discarded.
Once again, Dopamine is the precursor of the whole process, with Astrocytes translating dopamine’ signals into learning.

Learning is strongly dependent on Memories and Sleep.

There are two Sleep Patterns: the initial NREM, marking the gradual transition from Wakefulness to Deep Restorative Sleep, and the Rise-leading REM, gradually reconnecting us with neural activity.
The REM phase is crucial for Memory and Emotional Consolidation.
Based on this model, lack of sleep is a major contributor to Amnesia and Mental Illness, disrupting Learning.
In fact, “Learning” is being replaced by “Memory” in Neuroscience, with the Hippocampus as the primary source for Memory-organisation and consequential Reward, confirming the multifaceted nature of Dopamine, the Hippocampus main fuel. In turn, the Hippocampus would qualify for both Learning and Reward Systems within the Limbic Center.

Neuroanatomy is fully interconnected.

Motor skills consolidate during NREM phase.
They are associated to Memory skills, since both are pre-cursed by Dopamine which signals Astrocytes the Synapses to remove.

This is the fundamental principle of the finding: 
Motor Skills Learning requires Neural Circuits Restructure by removing inactive Synapses during  Deep Restorative NREM Sleep.
If Learning is a Memory, we can confidently predict the interactions between Motor and Memory skills’ performance.

Resources 

The study is being conducted by the Institute of Basic Sciences under the supervision of Associate Director CHUNG Won-Suk, noting: “Learning depends on a precise circuit rewiring process that involves not only forming new synapses but also removing unnecessary connections.”

Astrocytes are the most numerous Supporting Neuron’s Cells, highly involved in Memory, to the extent of bordering Neural Networks like the Hippocampus and Amyloid Cortex in modulating fearful memories.
The Hippocampus alone cannot select all kinds of happy memories from traumatic experiences, as just recently endorsed.

Neuroscience is extremely compartmentalised with hundreds scientific teams working independently, so that new information is shared on a daily basis.
New cerebral regions and associated subcategories are discovered daily. 
Journals of Neuroscience struggle to stay up to date, an example of how limited our Brain knowledge is to date.

Astrocytes are promising targets for PTSD on the upgrade to Neural Cells.

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Gut-Brain Axis

Nutrition has a major impact in mental health.

The distinction between psychiatric and neurological disorders is evermore unclear.

Psychotropic drugs can modify Cerebral metabolism, though can’t rewire brain-circuits.
Brain metabolism is controlled by blood and oxygen flow.
No psychotropics target these two basic vital elements.
Current medication still targets neurotransmission only.

My impression is that research always overlaps the basics.
Scientists know that essential enzymes regulating metabolism are produced by blood-cells, so that a new field of research is developing, GBA, the Gut-Brain Axis.

GBA

GBA is deemed as a virtual Communication Network connecting the Brain with Gut-bacteria and the Endocrine System.

The Gut and Adrenal Glands are major manufacturers of Serotonin, Adrenaline and Dopamine, the 3 main cerebral neurotransmitters, yet the brain produces these chemicals independently.
However, 90% of Serotonin is produced in the Gut and it’s responsible either for Mood and Intestinal Functions.

Based on this assumption, we deduce that Adrenal Neurotransmitters send Signals to the brain.

Henceforth, there are two lines of thought defining GBA:

  1. The Vagus Nerve connecting the brain with the gut directly.
  2. The connection between the Hippocampus and Hypothalamus.

Both models work on Signals and Memory.
The Hypothalamus is the Feeding center, the Hippocampus the Memory Center.
This connection would remind us when to eat by regulating Metabolism and Mood.
The Vagus Nerve would complement the process through Nerve Fibers.

This Communication Network would explain the codependency between Brain and Gut.

New developments are expected.



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Humoral Neurotransmitters

Motivation is indispensable for Achievement. It is associated with Success, Intelligence, Happiness.Depression and Anxiety deplete Humoral Neurotransmitters.

What differs Depression from Sadness.

The DSM defines Sadness as an average period of two weeks characterized by low-mood as result of transient disappointment.

Although the symptoms are equal to Depression, it is not treated pathologically.
It is thought that occasional Sadness empowers us towards inevitable life sorrows, an antidote to Depression, ironically.

Low-mood over two weeks is classified as Clinical Depression.
An overly simplistic model to me.

Is Neurotransmission compromised in Sadness?

Debatable dilemma if we see Sadness medically, either referred to as ‘Adjustment Disorder’ or ‘Situational Depression’.
Some Mental Health Professionals consider the condition as the precursor of Clinical Depression, henceforth starting patients on antidepressants.
Others support Counseling beforehand, both preventative measures.

The controversy is that antidepressants take at least 3/4 weeks to work, therefore they are not worth the effort for temporary Sadness.
Nonetheless, low-mood can deplete neurotransmitters for Compensation.
On the other hand, Clinical Depression is a post-synaptic disease.

It would look like Compensation occurs at pre-synaptic level, excluding Receptors’ activity. Given the assumption, SSRIs will downplay their performance.
The question is whether dormant neurotransmitters are pre-synaptically effective.

It is established that Sadness increases the amount of necessary neurotransmitters, in so doing, depriving neurons.
Insufficient neurotransmitters would prevent the ‘sending-receiving-reuptake s pattern,’ aka Neurotransmission.

Put it bluntly, neurotransmitters are disabled in the absence of intercellular connectivity.
SSRIs don’t enhance neurotransmitters production, they enhance neurotransmission.
In essence, they don’t help with depleted neurons.

It is paramount to understand where humoral neurotransmitters- Serotonin, Dopamine, Adrenaline- originate from.

Their hormonal nature leads to Adrenal Glands.

Adrenal glands release either deficient or excessive neurotransmitters in response to stress and lack of sleep.

It is unclear if antidepressants target the Endocrine System.
Adrenal glands are part of the Endocrine System however, the Brain produces its own Serotonin in the Brainstem, Dopamine in the Substantia Nigra, Adrenaline in the Medulla Oblongata.

The neurotransmitters produced in the Adrenal Glands don’t cross the Blood-Brain-Barrier.
Their interaction is not known.

Dopamine is the predominant cerebral neurotransmitter, with Serotonin and Adrenaline accounting for as little as 5%.
95% of Serotonin is synthesized in the gut, whereas Adrenaline would act as Neurohormone in the brain, kind of dopamine precursor. The large amount is synthesized in the Adrenal Glands and spread throughout the body by means of Circulation in the function of Modulator.
Brainstem Serotonin exerts Mood Stabilization through the Spinal Cord and Prefrontal Cortex.

The line between Hormones and Neurotransmitters is very thin and poorly defined.

A new branch of Neuroscience named the “Gut-Brain Axis” is being developed.

More research is needed.




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Procrastination in ADHD/ASD

Procrastination is not Laziness. It is typically associated with ADHD.

Talking about the labeling of every single human behavior, Procrastination is making the charts.

Nobody’s lazy anymore: the new vocabulary for ‘Laziness’ is ‘Procrastination’.

The most disturbing part is that Procrastination is being deemed as an emotional disorder and major feature of ADHD.
I can be easily distracted, though not lazy.
Procrastination is Distraction to me.

Distraction does slow-down productivity, although it’s not associated with Lethargy.
In fact, we are mostly hyperactive when distracted.

ADHD rarely manifests individually, it is a component of most Mental Disorders, last but not least, Autism.

Neurons are divided into Recipients and Receivers separated by Synapses, spaces where neurotransmitters temporarily pool up, before being absorbed by receiving Receptors.
This process is continuous and interchangeable.

In ADHD, the neurotransmitters are not re-absorbed in the recipient cells, accounting for deficiency of serotonin and dopamine, major players in Attention and Reward, resulting in impaired cognitive function.

ADHD treatment is gaining momentum in the cure of Autism and Clinical Resistant Depression.

Latest findings from Dopamine Transporter scans, show abnormalities in Young-Adult Autistics.
We know that Dopamine has an important role in motor-skills Memory.
Parkinson’s disease is the most common form of neurodegenerative illness characterized by loss of motor coordination.
Lack of dopamine is a general symptom.
The specific pathology of Parkinson’s is the inability to recycle unused dopamine clogged in Transporters.
The same pattern applies to autism. What was previously thought of autistic Stimming, could be early- onset Parkinson’s, with autistics having 6 times more chances of developing the disease later in life.
New dopaminergic medications are under study.

References 
NeuroscienceNews.com
Autism and Parkinson’s Share a Hidden Neural Defect






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Self-harm

There are hundreds of theories about Self-harm, although all speculative and individual. The most reliable evidence is provided by sufferers themselves as of late.

Self-harm is always an underlying condition, only fact we know for sure.
It is also extremely versatile.

In my experience, it’s a desperate attempt at self-control and discipline.
One must be aware to self-harm.
Self-harm is carried out dysfunctionally for a purpose.

In my case, the most common form of self-harm is face shaving.
I’m not talking aesthetics here, though true Obsession.
Shamefully, the Beauty Industry has found a multimillion business in ‘grooming’ with so-called ‘safety razors’, shaving tutorials, etc., to the point of replacing fully fledged dermatologists.

Shaving is an imposed societal rule.

Shaving is mandatory for public employees.
Clean-shaven is synonym of smartness, so that every man is indirectly compelled to shave.

Don’t believe to proud ‘bearded models’, they know deep inside that they have shaving phobia. They try to mask it by sporting ridiculous  ‘designer beards’.

Those who can’t afford to go unshaven, self-harm with painful razor cuts.
This becomes a compulsion, a punishment.

Females have other ways of self-harming, despite my take on the commonality: self-punishment in order to conform to a society that still shuns neurodiversity.

How OCD impacts Self-harm.

OCD is characterized by hurting repetitive physical and mental behaviors.
Repetition is always harmful for the body: overshaving, overwashing, overthinking, rituals…

Scientists identified the triggering Signal of OCD in the Orbitofrontal Cortex, part of the Reward System. Once again, dopamine is involved in OCD in addition to anxiety.

The OCD brain uses more timescales to carry on tasks, making every task more demanding. This extra energy causes the brain to dissociate from Sequences like dressing up, so that each step is processed individually and repeated several times. It takes double time for OCD people to start their day by stopping and thinking about the next step. Severe cases resort to Counting, e.g. 1- biological needs 2- wearing socks 3- shaving 4- choosing clothes, 5- coffee, etc…whereas the Neurotypical would follow an uninterrupted daily Sequence.

Can you see the correlation with ADHD Worry-paralysis?
Could OCD be Worry-paralysis?
From my ADHD perspective, it could.

SSRIs are weak in abating OCD.
Dopaminergic compounds prove more effective in combination with Brain-stimulation’s TMS treatment.
Nonetheless, OCD is rampant in ADHD and Autism.

TMS-Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation-is the safer noninvasive replacement of dirty old ECT, originally designed for MDD. Only recently, TMS has been introduced in the treatment of OCD.
MRI scans show decreased neural activity in Clinical Depression and OCD.
TMS delivers magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells.
The results are mostly successful within 4/6 weeks.

It is now evident that the brain functions on Stimuli and Interconnectivity between all regions.
The last frontier will be understanding what causes hypo-stimulation in the Neurodivergent Brain.
A lengthy study as the million components of Neuroanatomy.

The race has just started.





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Cognitive Distortions

‘Cognitive distortions’ is the definition of Irrational Thoughts in Psychology. Anxiety is the general perception, although the Labeling trend of these days attributes the perception to ADHD, Autism and OCD exclusively, wrongly so.

Medicine is being spoilt by the day, despicably switching from humanitarian Mission to openly downstream profiteering Business.

The predictable future of Healthcare is a fully private funded system with Medical Insurances drawn into bankruptcy.

Specialists are highly competitive and wary of Insurance, indulging in a real Fees-Campaign in order to get “clients”.
The implications are enormous in terms of reliability and co-operation between practitioners.

Mental Health is increasingly becoming individualistic.

The title “Psychologist” is being replaced with “Therapist, Coach, Counselor”, each offering their services to a specific mental condition, coincidentally shared by the therapist.

Nowadays, one can become a “Certified Coach” by taking countless Online-courses, mostly scams.
I don’t buy into that. I stick to psychoanalytic Psychiatrists, to be on the safe MD side.

“Clients” pay astronomical fees to share their feelings with private Therapists whom they refer to by first name.
The danger of these ‘self-proclaimed professionals’ is they’re trained to tell their  ‘friends’ what they want to hear.

Everybody, neurotypical or neurodivergent, have Cognitive Distortions, in my experience, a kind of Sympathetic Nervous System’ s defensive mechanism.
We all have what real psychologists call ‘Filter Neural Lens’, amplifying Paranoia.

In the Neurotypical, Cognitive Distortions are easily balanced by the Parasympathetic Nervous System. 
In the Neurodivergent, they are over amplified.

All it takes is scrolling the Medical Web, thus being bombarded with hundreds Ads these likes:

“Shyla, ADHD therapist on ADHD. Competitive pricing and compassionate approach. First session free.”
“Amy, I overcame OCD and want to hear from you. Regain control over your emotions.”
“Charlie, your Bipolar Disorder expert.”

Cognitive Distortions are dealt individually in every  ‘specific practice’.
Back in the day, they were addressed to any Clinical Psychologist.

Paranoia is the medical term for Persecution, to say that Cognitive Distortions are cursing thoughts about how we perceive judgment.

No one likes to be judged. Discerning wrong judgement is a distortion.

Right Discernment abates Judgment and enhances Self-esteem.




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Exposure Treatment for Systematic Desensitization in neurodivergence

Facing chronic fears gradually works through Detachment from elements triggering Phobias.

Phobias are irrational fears of traumatic origin.
90% of phobias develop in childhood and are easily overlooked as a natural developmental learning factor.

The fear of water is the most primordial manifestation in newborns, nobody is exempt however, if it persists through adulthood, it should be addressed.
Plenty of adults dread water, they are terrified of drowning and swimming.
A significant percentage feels suffocating under rushing showers.
The Medical term for this fear is ‘Ablutophobia’, although hardly addressed for shame of poor hygiene, despite sufferers being equally if not cleaner than today s average triple-daily-shower neurotypicals.

Phobias are hard to treat in adulthood, although latest research suggests there is hope with strong Commitment, Mindfulness and ultimately Desensitization. 

The biology of Phobias is well documented.
Each phobia is normally associated to six symptoms, so called ‘Phobic Ladder’.
Symptoms must be tackled individually, starting with the most disabling.

The latest entertained view of phobias in adults is Boredom.
Any action, pleasurable or not, becomes bothersome when compulsory.
I can confirm it. I dread showering even when I’m off. 
I’m working through Desensitization and make showering a pleasant habit.

This applies to any phobia.
As usual, easy said than done.
Nothing happens overnight.

The pharmacological implementation is symptomatic, with benzodiazepines and SSRIs as first choice.


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Environment in ADHD and Autism

Circumstances affect heavily pathological behavior.

Third day of amnesia and worry.
Fighting with teeth in inclement weather, breathing difficulties, insufficient oxygen flow to the brain.

My health-records report amnesia 2/3 days before low-pressure weather.

This morning was sunny and I felt in recovery mode.
In the afternoon, conditions suddenly changed for the worse.
I’m pumping dopamine desperately, evidence that I am trying to react.

I have learnt through the years that Reaction comes in the form of Hyperactivity in ADHD.
Thoughts race, I come up with hundred options simultaneously.
Prioritizing is the deal.

I have gradually become more convinced that autism and ADHD are not caused solely by genetic factors, but that environmental factors also play a role; they arise from the complex interaction between genetic predisposition and environmental influences.

Climate change hit hard in the last five years.
Seasons are no longer discernible.
Thermal excursions of 10 c from one day to the next are the norm.
That puts tremendous pressure on my body and mind, making me craving home. Europe is rated best weather to date.

I’m writing this right in the midst of a sudden strong storm after a bright day.
I’m panicking.
I can’t adjust to sudden changes.

Nature is stronger than man.
We’re living on a minefield.

The medical term for this phobia is Metereopathy, autistics are extremely vulnerable.
There is no specific cure, though my psychiatrist treats me the symptoms off-label with Motion sickness’ medication, since the pathology is mostly related to high humidity levels.
I feel it’s somewhat effective.
Humid air is a constant source in Asia.
The theory is that weather-changes displace neurons, causing Motion-sickness’ symptoms.
These compounds re-adjust neurons, abating to a varying degree panic-attacks and the likes.
They could be a valid alternative to habit-forming benzodiazepines however, research is still in the making.

Sadly, the Asian Monsoon Season extended well into mid-October in the last decade, due to global warming. It will keep extending for the next 50 years, scientists say.

We live in a 5 to 5 setting, this time of year.
Asians are morning-people: even in the shortest December/January days, the sun rises at 6:50. But sets at 4:30.
I hate city sunsets: my dopamine levels drop suddenly, just to stabilize again once night settles. I feel at peace at night, despite those 30 minutes of dreaded sunset.
I close the curtains when sunset starts, to re-open them once night sets.
Latest research shows that Neurons and Synapses can be displaced by natural elements. Behavioral disturbances are most likely, particularly in autism. Severe cases can be fatal.
I shall emphasize that neurons are potentially ‘migrant’, the medical term for ‘displacive’.
The most dramatic example of neuron-displacement is brain-stroke.
The main function of neurons is intercellular communication.
The stereotypical autistic meltdown is a disruption in neuronal-communication through displacement.

Neuronal-stabilization is the last frontier in Mental Health.
Some medications-SSRI antidepressants- are somehow effective, but not without a full array of side-effects.
Off-label experimentation of different compounds is well underway.

When neurons migrate, they re-assemble in a dysfunctional pattern, affecting personality and behavior.
This plays a major role in autism.

I believe Neuronal-Stability will be the successful achievement in Mental Illness.




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