The Dissenter
#872 Heather Berlin: Impulsive and Compulsive Disorders, and the Study of Consciousness
Dec 11, 2023
Heather Berlin, an Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Neuroscience at Icahn School of Medicine, dives deep into the fascinating world of impulsive and compulsive disorders. She elaborates on conditions like kleptomania and OCD, revealing how they overlap and their neural mechanisms. The conversation shifts to the complexities of consciousness, tracing its historical roots and examining the unconscious mind's role in creativity. Additionally, Berlin tackles the controversies in scientific theories surrounding consciousness and the importance of effective science communication.
52:50
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Quick takeaways
- Impulsive disorders involve actions taken for immediate pleasure despite consequences, while compulsive disorders are driven by the need to alleviate anxiety.
- The interplay between conscious and unconscious processes is vital for creativity, allowing for innovative insights when filters of rational thought are relaxed.
Deep dives
Understanding Impulsive and Compulsive Disorders
Impulsive disorders are characterized by actions taken without foresight and often driven by the pursuit of immediate pleasure, despite potential negative consequences. In contrast, compulsive disorders involve behaviors aimed at alleviating negative feelings, such as anxiety, rather than seeking pleasure. For instance, behaviors like nail-biting may temporarily reduce anxiety, while conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) exemplify this with compulsive washing driven by obsessions about contamination. These two categories often overlap, as seen in pathological gambling, where motives can include both emotional regulation and seeking a pleasurable high.
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