Neurobiology of self-regulation

and the power of the mindful coach

Learning objectives

At the end of the presentation the participants will be able to…

• Describe some key anatomical structures that underlie self regulation, change, and empowerment

• Discuss research supporting the efficacy of a mindful coach

• The nervous system is a network of specialized cells that communicate information about an organism and the organism’s environment

• Processes the information and coordinates reactions in other parts of the organism

1.The brain is the central part of the nervous system for vertebrates and most invertebrates.

1. In vertebrates and most invertebrates the brain is the central part of the nervous system.

2.The brain consists of a collection of nerve cells that process information.

1. In vertebrates and most invertebrates the brain is the central part of the nervous system.

2. It is a collection of nerve cells that process information.

3.The most important function of the brain is to generate behaviors that promote the welfare of an organism.

How neurons communicate

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSFQy_cLvLU

Wondrous evolving mechanisms to view the brain

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)

• Images blood flow to region of the brain

• Current limit 2 mm

Positron Emission tomography (PET scan)

• Measures emissions from radioactively labeled chemicals injected into the bloodstream

• Can map neuro -transmitter activity

The BrainEVALUATE INPUT, MAKE DECISIONS,

INHIBIT RESPONSES

Hypo/pit

Hypo/pit

Autonomic control

Brain & BehaviorIt all comes together here

Frontal Lobe

InitiationProblem solving

JudgmentInhibition of behaviorPlanning/anticipation

Self-monitoringMotor planning

Personality/emotionsAwareness of abilities/limits

OrganizationAttention/concentration

Mental flexibilitySpeaking

Temporal Lobe

MemoryHearing

Expressive and receptive languageComprehension of language

Musical awarenessOrganization &sequencing skills

Parietal Lobe

Sense of touchDifferentiation of size, color, shape

Spatial perceptionVisual perception

Occipital LobeVisual perception and input

Reading (perception and recognition of printed words)

CerebellumCoordination

BalanceSkilled motor activity

Brain StemBreathingHeart rate

Arousal/ConsciousnessSleep/wake functions

Attention/concentration

Different areas have somewhat specific functions

Brainstem

Basic body functions

Anatomy of Attentional Networks

James (1890) “Attention is the taking possession of the mind in clear and vivid form of one out of what seem several simultaneous objects or trains of thought”

Raz (2006)• Alerting Network

• Orienting Network

• Conflict Network

•Arouses the body

•‘fight or flight’

•Purpose is to manage energy and resources to meet perceived demands and challenges that are an immediate

threat

Sympathetic Nervous system – get ready to rumble…

There is a (much neglected) OFF system The Parasympathetic Nervous System

•Calms the body

•Promotes enjoyment, relaxation, digestion,

sexual arousal

•Purpose is to conserve resources and allow

you to restore resources and energy.

Balance and optimal performance

PERFORMANCE

STRESS LEVEL

Optimal performance

Under performingDepleted

Stress, energy, and arousal

chronic stress overload

The Sympathetic nervous system is built to meet immediate and life threatening demands

Most of the demands we face today are not immediate

We get chronically stuck in the on position

Health effects from chronic stress overload

Lowered immune response Coronary artery disease Insulin resistance Type II Diabetes Obesity Insomnia Chronic fatigue and chronic pain ……..

Behavioral effects from chronic stress

• Impatience

• Anger

• Depression

• Substance abuse and addiction

• Difficulty concentrating

• Relationship difficulties

Self Regulation

Many studies show that Self control is a function predominately of PRC and ACC

The energy to self-regulate has a common and depletable energy store• Emotional regulation• Attentional control• Impulse control• Performance organization

Review anatomy

Self regulation as a muscle or resource that can be depleted

Discuss resolving conflicts between willpower and physiological determinism

Source: Adapted from Volkow et al., Neuropharmacology, 2004.

DriveSaliency

Memory

Control

Choose Healthy Behavior

Addicted Brain

Drive

Memory

Control

Saliency

Self regulation

.

Source: Adapted from Volkow et al., Neuropharmacology, 2004.

DriveSaliency

Memory

Control

Resist ImpulsiveDecision

Addicted Brain

Drive

Memory

Control

AllowImpulsiveDecisions

Saliency

Tired Brain Circuits

Examples

Two groups assigned to drink less alcohol at a college alcohol party

• One, beforehand taken through a thought suppression task

• Group not having suppression task more able to drink less

Two groups being assigned to a frustration task

• One asked to resist eating a sweet beforehand, - gave up more easily

Two groups given a taxing task, one require more attention

• Second group more likely to sit through a boring movie rather than turn the channel.

Two groups asked to remember numbers• - group asked to remember 2 numbers

more able to resist sweet more than group asked to remember 7 numbers

Delay discounting and future reward imagery

Subjects evaluated for their specific delay discounting thresholds

Given choices of near rewards and latter rewards

Episodically asked to recall self selected (different) future rewards activated medial and lateral prefrontal cortex and reduced impulsivity

Translating research to practice

Keep attuned to neuro-psych developments

Engage patients with growing knowledge

Use coaching skills to • elicit patient’s motivations and skills for

positive change• future health imagery, • ways of resting and strengthening self

regulation ‘muscles’

References

Koob GF and Volkow ND. Neurocircuitry of Addiction. Neuropsychopharmacology reviews. 35 (2010) 217-38.

Ferguson SG and Shiffman S. The relevance and treatment of cue-induced cravings in tobacco dependence. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment 36 (2009) 235-43.

Gailliot MT, and Baumeister RF The physiology of willpower: Linking blood glucose to self-control. Personality and Social Psychology Review. 11 (2007) 303-27.

Volkow et. Al. Cognitive control of drug craving inhibits brain reward regions in cocaine abusers. NeuroImage 49 (2010) 2536-43.’\

The Frontal Cortex http://scienceblogs.com/cortex/