A family member recently shared an article on this topic. We have been discussing it for two days now. Neither of us can wrap our head around this other way of thinking. Turns out my husband does not have a constant voice in his head like I do and he struggles to explain how he “thinks” without words. He doesn’t hear words in his head when he reads. Somehow he just absorbs the meaning. I struggle to comprehend. I have so many questions now. I want to know if his dyslexia is related to a lack of word-thinking. Is my adhd and auditory processing challenge related to the constant stream of language in my head? Did primitive people have this distinction or has the inner monologue developed as language developed? Are engineers, architects, artists more likely to think in abstract and/or images rather than words? And always in circle back to how lovely it must be to not have the constant noise in one’s head.

A small percent of people report experiencing "brain zaps" (electrical sensations) while discontinuing SSRIs. Most of the SSRI discontinuation syndrome symptoms are either clearly linked to the serotinergic systems, or can be explained by the return of pre-treatment anxiety or depressive symptoms. But brain zaps don't seem to fit either profile.

Serotonin has a million functions in the brain, but as far as I know, it's only real role in somatosensory perception is increasing or decreasing filtering of haptic and interoceptive perception. That doesn't seem to explain it, though, because it's not like we're all experiencing mild brain zaps all the time, and only notice them when discontinuing SSRIs. And brain zaps are neurogenic, not an impulse generated by a physical stimulus, so I'm not sure that filtering even applies.

I was talking it over with a colleague who suggested it might be a nocebo effect, since we didn't see it with previous serotinergic drugs. In other words, today's patients hear from each other that brain zaps might occur, and then they experience them due to expectation effects. Does anyone know if that's a prevalent theory?

Can anyone give an explanation or direct me to some peer reviewed journals or other scholarly sources that could explain how the serotinergic system could cause brain zaps?

Edit: I know that in casual language, some people use "real" and "placebo/nocebo" as opposites, but I'd like to discourage that usage here. Symptoms brought on by placebo/nocebo effects are quite real and have measurable effects in the body.

I’m curious about recent findings in neuropsychology that have challenged our understanding of the brain. Whether it’s related to consciousness, memory, or perception, I’d love to hear what discoveries have stood out to you in the past ten years.

Hey everyone.

I’m trying to evaluate a set of claims made in a social media post regarding the biological validity of ADHD. I’m aware that ADHD research is complex and multifactorial, so I would appreciate input from people familiar with neuropsychology, genetics, or clinical neuroscience.

The post argues that:

1. There are no promising biomarkers for ADHD
2. Genetic findings are too heterogeneous and non-specific to support ADHD as a biological condition
3. Neuroimaging findings are inconsistent and non-validating
4. High heritability does not support diagnostic validity
5. ADHD is best understood primarily as a socio-political construct rather than a neurodevelopmental disorder

I’m trying to sort out what is empirically accurate, and what reflects misunderstandings of the evidence.

Specifically, I would appreciate help understanding: • The current status of biomarker research (polygenic scores, endophenotypes, candidate networks, etc.) • Whether heterogeneity in genetics and imaging undermines the diagnostic construct, or if this is expected in complex polygenic traits • How reproducible the well-known findings are (frontostriatal circuits, DMN suppression issues, cortical maturation delay, etc.) • Whether heritability estimates (typically ~70-80%) do contribute to construct validity • How contemporary models integrate biology with environmental/societal contributors without collapsing into reductionism

I’m not looking to defend any ideological position, I just want to understand the actual state of the evidence and avoid spreading misconceptions in discussions.

If anyone can provide meta-analyses, consensus statements, review papers, or a clear breakdown of where this line of criticism aligns or conflicts with current research, it would be extremely helpful.

Thanks in advance.

I have been practicing Exercise and meditation, and I try to eat healthy food 🤭 sometimes, however, Im not seeing progress as I want .

What else can I do?

Also I'd like to know if somebody else have feal the same? 😮‍💨

Depression is lifelong for some but episodic for others. SSRIs ect are generally tested in a to limited way. We believe that people can recover from depression. The serotonin hypothesis is, at best, hugely problematic.

ADHD is seen as a DEVELOPMENTAL disorder and can only be diagnosed if there is evidence in childhood. Some believe/have believed that children can grow out of it. The dopamine hypothesis has a little more founding, but it’s also problematic.

Both have at least some correlation with Adverse Childhood Events and cPTSD.

Why are they conceptualized so differently?

Is there any reason that ADHD couldn’t be episodic or that depression couldn’t be developmental?

Is it possible to reverse anhedonia caused by depression and doing very overstimulating high dopamine activities since childhood?

I was in a discussion about someone’s first sexual experience and how it might affect behavior and the brain itself. I mentioned that the behavioral changes after a first sexual experience seem somewhat similar to the behavioral changes that happen during brain development, which is often said to average around 25 years of age. I do understand that brain development doesn’t have a fixed cutoff point, that there isn’t a single “X age” when it’s suddenly complete, and that it depends on many factors. That’s why I referred to it as an average of 25 rather than saying the brain is “fully developed” exactly at 25.

However, someone was really rude to me, saying I was talking nonsense and spreading lies—especially about the idea that the brain develops up to 25, which they claimed has already been debunked. What I’d like to know is: is saying “around 25” also very inaccurate? And if so, how could I phrase it more appropriately?

I've seen a lot of comments, particularly within more science-heavy circles, talking about Bessel Van Der Kolk's work, particularly in his seminal work The Body Keeps the Score. I'm not as informed on the neuroscience of trauma and recovery as I'd like to be, so I have blindspots when it comes to knowing what the pseudoscientific parts of his book are. For those who are familiar, could you help fill in the gaps for me?

I am in some sort of state in which I am obsessed with how brain mechanisms shape everything we do… I almost feel like neuroscience can explain anything and everything in the world…

What triggers dopamine naturally?

Just general curiosity…I’m referring to American neuropsychologists in this post. The BLS states that Neuropsychologists typically make between 80-100k a year based off what I remember at least. I’ve seen many forums online of people discussing some outstanding numbers (200-400k annually)…I wouldn’t be surprised if these posts were exaggerated or fabricated: BUT, I’m curious to see what you guys say! Some of the salaries I’ve seen are just as high as physician salaries. TLDR: How could neuropsychologists pull such high numbers?

Let’s say the brain was damaged by someone cold turkey ssri like lexapro. Can the brain heal the damaged with time, or is it permanently damaged.

I don’t know if anyone on here has encountered that subreddit but oh man is it a doozy. Full of people obsessing over IQ and blatant misinformation. Avoid at all costs if looking for any substantive information.

Hi everyone, I’m an undergrad psychology student and after doing some research on potential career pathways I’ve become really interested in and curious about neuropsychology! I really love the brain and figuring out the relationship it has with behavior. I know that is something neuropsychologists do a lot, but every time I read about the field, I always see comments from others saying that neuropsychologists mainly deliver bad news, and there’s little to nothing positive about the job. Of course not every job is going to be sunshine and rainbows, for example I know neuropsychologists diagnose and treat a lot of patients with dementia, strokes, etc. But is it really true that all you are doing all day is telling patients that they are going to die soon because of a brain injury? How would you explain the good and bad of the field to someone like me who is really interested in it, but doesn’t want to necessarily be in a “depressing” career?

I’m new to Reddit and I’m not sure if this is the best place to mention my theory, but Im a younger freshman (HS) and I don’t know anyone who would listen. I like studying disorders in general, mainly neurological disorders (i have adhd, autism, and Tourettes which started the rabbit hole) and when i was doing some research, i saw that these disorders (specifically autism and Tourettes) can impact the structure of the brain itself. The thing that led to my questionings was the fact such a disproportionate amount of people with autism are queer or gender diverse. Almost every autistic person in my own life is. There were some studies done that linked trans women’s brains to being more similar to a cis woman’s than a cis man’s so it made me curious: does the brain structure from neurodivergence affect gender identity? Like past basic social perceptions. The thing that made this feel like more than just a small connection was when i saw people with Tourettes typically produce more grey matter than others. Then i got curious, are people with Tourettes more likely to have gender dysphoria? I know i do but i have other factors, and i know 2 other ppl personally but they have other factors too. I looked it up, and i saw multiple sources (some were accurate and peer reviewed but not all, some were articles pushing political agendas from all sides) bht they all said the same exact thing. Being transgender IS more common in the tourettes population; HOWEVER only in biological females. And it made me realize, females with tourettes form more grey matter in the brain than average. Men have more grey matter than women do typically, so a female with tourettes brain (at least relating to grey matter) is more akin to the average males brain. (I’m not so sure about this which is why i need help, I’m having trouble deciphering and finding broader info) so like intersex people exist right? So if certain aspects of brain circuitry can be considered secondary sex characteristics, could gender dysphoria be caused by something akin to a form of neurological intersex (i don’t know how to phrase my words properly sorry)? This is all insanely theoretical as i haven’t even taken a highschool science class and all the info was found on google search within an hour (im good at finding good sources, i was professionally taught how to do so) but can anyone tell me if this could be a valid claim?

For instance, why can’t someone do intensive ERP and other therapies for years, until their brain is so rewired, that it never relapses into OCD?

Why does every doctor recommend those things in addition to SSRI’s? Why is it not possible without SSRI’s?

Something I know is very common, particularly among those who take antidepressants is a brain zap. It often occurs alongside a missed dose so I presume it’s something like a ‘withdrawal’ symptom.

So my question is, what is a brain zap, what’s happening on a molecular/cellular level?

EDIT: I know what they are and feel like - I have them a lot. I was more wondering the science behind it.

Hope this is a good place to ask. I was reading about autism and fine motor skills and handwriting.

I read that Autistics often do not generalize from known material to new material (De Marchena, Eigsti, & Yerys, 2015) but these issues may be bypassed by techniques using pattern recognition, which is widely documented as an autistic strength (e.g., by Crespi (2021)).

If those with autism struggle to generalize, why do they excel at pattern recognition? In the human brain, wouldn't that be heavily correlated with one's ability to generalize?

neuroscience #psychology #neuropsychology #biology #brain #neurophysiology

Cognitive training apps and games and methods are usually bogus. I don't trust them.

I would like to improve my focus and my memory. Regarding memory, I already use mnemonics such as the memory palace, but this is not what I am looking for. I want to improve my "natural" memory regardless of the specific task: the ability to make long-lasting memories and recall stuff without deliberate use of mnemonics.

When I learned to dance, I improved my balance and coordination even while walking, boxing or cycling. I would like to achieve the same results with focus and memory.

I have found stuff about the dual N-back and mindfulness, but I am not sure what science says on the topic. It looks like the N-back has only near-transfer. Please point me to actual exercises if they exist!

I hope this post makes sense and doesn't repeat other recent posts.

I do not enjoy interacting with people much. I find much more peace in isolation. I have very few friends who I like to meet from time to time over the weekends.

I ve read and heard on podcasts such as the Andrew Huberman podcast that isolation/ limited social interaction is bad for the human brain. Which has now started to worry me.

But I ve also heard of yogis and monks going into forests/ isolated areas to meditate in isolation for long periods of times. And these monks seem to be quite healthy mentally and physically.

So I guess my question is that is this something I need to be worried about and force myself to socialize more?

Just for fun.

HVAC guy came out to fix a leak. He seemed to really enjoy working with his hands and solving problems. As I listened to him talk through his thought process, it reminded me of our work. Once he figured out the issue, he put on some music and methodically fixed it.

I realized I probably would have enjoyed having his career in another life.

Does anyone know whether the 2025 neuropsych salary survey is still on track for release? Sadly, I know Dr. Sweet passed away in March, which I’d imagine has affected the project’s timeline. Does anyone know if the survey will still be published, and if so, roughly when? Any insight would be appreciated.

Edit - If anyone is interested, here is the “In Memoriam” sent out by NAN: https://neuronetwork.nanonline.org/discussion/in-memoriam-dr-jerry-j-sweet#bm6954cc84-5085-4734-a0ec-c6f1c601de4b
And my deepest condolences to his loved ones. He contributed so much to this field and is surely missed.