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Originally Posted by Zerbie
I gather that what science is finding is that neuroplasticity involves possible change in brain structures. There have been some who say that PTSD untreated over time leads to a permanent change (for the worse) in a certain brain area. I believe that area is the hippocampus (but don't go blindly trusting my memory on this point -- my knowledge of brain anatomy is extremely scant and vague.)
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From what I understand, neuroplasticity involves the adding or removing of interconnecting brain cells as a result of learning, so yes, it does involve changes in brain structure. As far as the effects of PTSD, I don't know if that can or cannot be changed over time but I think the longer it is left untreated the longer it may take to change.
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Originally Posted by Zerbie
The amygdala mediates our emotional responses, yes?
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Yes, especially fear and empathy. A person who has an amygdala that is much smaller than a normal brain does not have the ability to feel empathy or to feel what it may be like to be abused or taken advantage of. They simply don't care as much as a person with a normal brain.
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Originally Posted by Zerbie
So the question then becomes, what shapes the amygdala? Does experience alter it? I think science is going to find that early learning experiences DO affect the function of the amygdala, if that isn't something already found. Perhaps they will discover that killers are, 98% of the time, MADE, not born.
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I think environment and experience probably does play a part, but I think science is finding that in some cases, at least with psychopaths, brain structure may play an even bigger part. I think a lot of factors are probably involved in why some people behave irrationally and self-destructively.
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Originally Posted by Zerbie
I understand that neuroplasticity does not mean we can just wake up one day and say, "Hey, I'm filled with faulty beliefs, let me trade 'em in for new ones," and just go 'buy' a new wiring system.
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I think you're right. It takes time with most people. However, I think there are exceptions.
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Originally Posted by Zerbie
I have deep understanding of how difficult the process of change is. Everything is wired to resist change, and that's on a survival level. Before change can happen, you have to throw a log jam into the entire "I must believe X in order to survive" program. That's harder than anything. But it CAN be done, and it is SO worth it.
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It can be done with many people. But I personally know some people who will NEVER consider change even though their lives are a disaster.
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Originally Posted by Zerbie
Forget about Fred. He may never change, and while it's possible, I won't bet on it. I am saying, focus on us. Focus on ourselves and making ourselves whole and free. If we can get out of crappy programming, the world opens wide to possibility.
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I agree. Crappy programming is the reason why so many closeted LGBT people come to this forum from a Christian fundamentalist environment saying that they are desperately unhappy and are looking for support. Some even talk of suicide as a solution. That's why challenging bad programming is so important. Sometimes it can be a matter of life or death.
Rick