Podcast
Questions and Answers
Merzenich believes an environmental factor can affect neural circuits in autistic children or can even lead to _____
Merzenich believes an environmental factor can affect neural circuits in autistic children or can even lead to _____
epilepsy
BDNF stands for brain derived _____ factor.
BDNF stands for brain derived _____ factor.
neurotrophic
When we do something that causes neurons to fire together, BDNF is _____
When we do something that causes neurons to fire together, BDNF is _____
released
Harlow's experiment involved single infant monkeys and two dummy '_____'.
Harlow's experiment involved single infant monkeys and two dummy '_____'.
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Monkeys spent most time with their _____ mother.
Monkeys spent most time with their _____ mother.
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The lack of interaction led the monkeys to grow up socially _____ and display autistic-like behaviors.
The lack of interaction led the monkeys to grow up socially _____ and display autistic-like behaviors.
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Neglect in childhood may lead to misdiagnosis of learning difficulties like _____
Neglect in childhood may lead to misdiagnosis of learning difficulties like _____
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Merzenich believes some situations over excite neurons in children predisposed to _____
Merzenich believes some situations over excite neurons in children predisposed to _____
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Early life trauma like childhood abuse can lead to long-term reductions in ______ and impair neurogenesis.
Early life trauma like childhood abuse can lead to long-term reductions in ______ and impair neurogenesis.
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Overactivation of the amygdala reduces the frontal lobe's ability to regulate ______ perception.
Overactivation of the amygdala reduces the frontal lobe's ability to regulate ______ perception.
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Stress can lead to reduced hippocampal volume, which affects memory ______.
Stress can lead to reduced hippocampal volume, which affects memory ______.
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Childhood adversity negatively impacts the ability to recognize emotions and ______.
Childhood adversity negatively impacts the ability to recognize emotions and ______.
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Physical neglect is the strongest predictor of impaired social ______.
Physical neglect is the strongest predictor of impaired social ______.
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The Default Mode Network (DMN) is active during ______.
The Default Mode Network (DMN) is active during ______.
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Childhood adversity is linked to reduced DMN ______, especially between posterior regions.
Childhood adversity is linked to reduced DMN ______, especially between posterior regions.
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The strength of connections within the DMN shows an ______ U-shaped pattern across the lifespan.
The strength of connections within the DMN shows an ______ U-shaped pattern across the lifespan.
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Schaffer and Emerson suggested a stage of theory of attachment development under headings including the asocial stage, indiscriminate attachments, specific attachments, and ______ attachments.
Schaffer and Emerson suggested a stage of theory of attachment development under headings including the asocial stage, indiscriminate attachments, specific attachments, and ______ attachments.
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Genie was locked away by her father, who described her as ‘______’ and believed she had a learning disability.
Genie was locked away by her father, who described her as ‘______’ and believed she had a learning disability.
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At the age of 13, Genie looked half her age and was physically, emotionally, and cognitively ______.
At the age of 13, Genie looked half her age and was physically, emotionally, and cognitively ______.
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One notably autistic feature of Genie's behavior was a disinterest in other people; she treated them like an ______ object.
One notably autistic feature of Genie's behavior was a disinterest in other people; she treated them like an ______ object.
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Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) has emerged as an important mediator for long-term functional deterioration associated with ______.
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) has emerged as an important mediator for long-term functional deterioration associated with ______.
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In depressed subjects, the expression of BDNF is reduced in brain structures like the ______.
In depressed subjects, the expression of BDNF is reduced in brain structures like the ______.
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Chronic stress and genetic models of depression lead to reduced BDNF levels, contributing to behavioral dysfunction and ______ symptoms.
Chronic stress and genetic models of depression lead to reduced BDNF levels, contributing to behavioral dysfunction and ______ symptoms.
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BDNF plays a crucial role in ______, which is often disrupted in depression.
BDNF plays a crucial role in ______, which is often disrupted in depression.
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Study Notes
Norman Doidge's Findings
- Merzenich believes environmental factors during critical periods affect neural circuits in autistic children, potentially linking it to epilepsy.
- BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) release is triggered by repeated neural firings.
- BDNF plays a role in closing critical periods, which affects the development of brain maps.
- Over-excitation of neurons in children can lead to early BDNF release, potentially contributing to autism.
- This can lead to undifferentiated brain maps, resulting in brain disorders and hypersensitivity.
Clara Flanagan's Monkey Experiment
- Harry Harlow's experiment with infant monkeys showed that monkeys spent more time with a soft, cloth 'mother' than a wire 'mother' with a feeding bottle, preferring comfort over nourishment.
- Monkeys deprived of proper social interaction exhibited maladaptive social behaviours, some resembling autism.
- Neglect in childhood may lead to misdiagnosis of learning difficulties like autism.
Attachment Development
- Schaffer and Emerson proposed stages of attachment development: asocial, indiscriminate, specific, and multiple attachments.
Children Reared in Isolation: Genie
- Genie, isolated until age 13, displayed significant developmental delays and social disinterest, mirroring some autistic traits.
- The study raises the question of whether isolation caused autism or if the abuse led to autism-like symptoms.
Cattaneo et al. Findings
- BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) levels are reduced in depressed subjects, impacting brain structures like the hippocampus.
- Chronic stress and genetic models of depression correlate with reduced BDNF, impairing behavioral function.
- Antidepressants can restore neuronal plasticity, boosting BDNF levels and promoting neurogenesis.
Limbic System Dysregulation
- Overactivation of the amygdala (the fear center) in response to perceived threat can reduce the frontal lobe's ability to regulate it.
- Stress can decrease hippocampal volume, affecting memory consolidation and the distinction between real and false threats.
Childhood Adversity and Social Cognition
- Childhood adversity (e.g., abuse, neglect) impairs the understanding of emotions and intentions, regardless of diagnosis.
- Emotional adversity has a less profound effect on social cognition than physical neglect.
- This can lead to difficulties understanding social situations and interacting with others.
Social Cognition and Mechanisms
- Poor emotion recognition can result from inadequate maternal care, hindering social exploration and leading to social cognitive biases.
Default Mode Network (DMN)
- The DMN supports autobiographical memory, social reasoning, and Theory of Mind (ToM), with stronger connectivity in adulthood.
- Childhood adversity correlates with reduced DMN connectivity, particularly between posterior regions, impacting emotional recognition.
- These dysconnections suggest a fundamental role in social cognitive challenges, observed regardless of diagnosis or externally-focused cognitive tasks.
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Description
Explore the fascinating findings of Norman Doidge and Clara Flanagan regarding the impact of early experiences on neural development and social behavior in children. This quiz covers Merzenich's theories on BDNF and Harlow's monkey experiment, highlighting their implications for understanding autism and learning difficulties.
