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/