E98 - What can Neuroscience tell us about Mental Health? (with Dr. Camilla Nord)
Oct 3, 2024
auto_awesome
Dr. Camilla Nord, a leading neuroscientist and author of 'The Balanced Brain,' discusses the intersection of neuroscience and mental health. She delves into dopamine's role in psychological symptoms and how neurological conditions can manifest physically. The conversation highlights the distinction between acute and chronic pain, as well as the impact of expectations on mental well-being. Dr. Nord emphasizes mental health as a dynamic state and the importance of personalized treatments, advocating for evidence-based approaches in decision-making.
Mental health is influenced by a wide range of factors including biological, psychological, and lifestyle elements, highlighting the need for multifaceted treatment approaches.
Individual responses to mental health treatments vary, necessitating personalized strategies to enhance outcomes and accommodate unique experiences.
Deep dives
Exploring the Roots of Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing can be influenced by a variety of factors and treatment options that target different brain pathways. The exploration of mental health treatments extends beyond traditional approaches and includes everyday actions that contribute positively to mental health, such as social interactions or enjoying a favorite treat. Understanding that these small actions can have significant impacts suggests that there are more opportunities for recovery and resilience from mental illness than commonly realized. The narrative emphasizes the need for a broader perspective on mental health, considering the dynamic interplay of various biological, psychological, and lifestyle factors.
The Interconnection of Mental and Physical Health
The connection between mental and physical health is crucial, as functions in the brain can manifest as both psychiatric and physical symptoms. For instance, the study of conditions like Parkinson's disease reveals how dopamine affects not only movement but also emotional states such as apathy and anhedonia. Additionally, the exploration of functional neurological disorders highlights how psychological factors can alter physical health experiences. By acknowledging the overlap between mental and physical conditions, a more holistic understanding of health can be achieved, leading to better treatment strategies.
The Role of Expectations in Mental Health
Expectations and beliefs significantly influence mental health outcomes, shaping how individuals perceive and interact with the world. These expectations can evolve from past experiences, impacting one's mental state positively or negatively based on how situations are interpreted. The book discusses how cognitive biases may distort perceptions and contribute to conditions such as depression, reinforcing the need for therapeutic strategies that address these biases. By changing perceptions and expectations through various interventions, individuals may improve their mental health and overall wellbeing.
The Importance of Personalized Treatment Approaches
Finding effective mental health treatments is highly personal, as responses to different interventions can vary widely among individuals. Emphasizing the importance of persistence, it is crucial for individuals to remain open to exploring multiple treatment options even if previous attempts have failed. Furthermore, it suggests that personalized approaches may lead to better outcomes, as treatments should be tailored to individual needs, taking into consideration their unique experiences and biological responses. Advancing research toward understanding which treatments work for whom is critical in enhancing the effectiveness of mental health care.
Dr. Camilla Nord leads the Mental Health Neuroscience Lab at the University of Cambridge, where she holds dual positions as Programme Leader at the Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit and Assistant Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at the Department of Psychiatry. She also holds a Wellcome Career Development Award fellowship, and co-leads an international team of researchers via a Wellcome Mental Health Award. Dr Nord has a longstanding interest in science communication, including many public lectures and a popular science book, The Balanced Brain (Penguin, 2023), a Financial Times, Sunday Times, and Prospect 'Book of the Year'.
This episode was made possible by the Royal College of Psychiatrists Academic Faculty and the Margaret Slack Travelling Fellowship.
Interviewed by Dr. Anya Borissova - Give feedback here - thinkingmindpodcast@gmail.com Follow us here: Twitter @thinkingmindpod Instagram @thinkingmindpodcast
If you would like to enquire about an online psychotherapy appointment with Dr. Alex, you can email - alexcurmitherapy@gmail.com