Ethics of Brain Imaging

Excellent panel discussion on issues involved in using brain imaging for psychiatry from the Neuroethics Learning Collaborative, featuring three leading experts. They begin with a mention of Daniel Amen’s claim that he can use SPECT imaging to diagnose and treat psychiatric illnesses. Most psychiatrists and psychologists, however, base diagnoses on a person’s behaviour and perception rather than brain structure. The panel explains how a biological basis for behaviour differs from biological disease, and ethical and technical issues involved in the potential use of neuroimaging for diagnosis. They also touch on the use of neuroimaging in law. Although it isn’t the focus of their discussion, it also happens to address a perennial criticism of antipsychiatry activists about why biological tests aren’t used for mental health issues. Hat tip: @gkaguirre.

A Longitudinal Investigation of the Neural Correlates of Recovery from PTSD

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), described as both a psychiatric and memory issue, was investigated using fMRI neuroimaging. Why do some people recover after a trauma while others have persistent symptoms and seek treatment? Study participants were examined soon after a trauma and then 6 to 9 months later, looking at early neural predictors of recovery and later neural correlates of recovery after cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Grey matter volume in areas of the ventral medial prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex appeared to be predictors of recovery. Slightly confusing talk, not for beginners, but interesting findings.

[Image by net efekt.]

The Epigenetic Link between Child Abuse and Suicide Risk

Portion of a talk focussing on a study that looked at the epigenetics of people with histories of child abuse who died by suicide, and found increased methylation in some areas. Slides not available, but a fascinating talk on a hot topic.

Epigenetics as a Substrate for Gene-Environment Interaction

Epigenetics in neuropsychiatry. Part of McGill’s Integrated Program in Neuroscience Inaugural Retreat.

Stanford’s Sapolsky On Depression in U.S.

“Basically, depression is like the worst disease you can get.” This renowned neuroscientist has convincing arguments to back up his opening statement. See also: an excellent lecture on the neurodegenerative effects of stress.

The New Brain Science of Cognitive Enhancement: Future Reality or Fool’s Gold?

At the 2008 Staglin Music Festival for Mental Health, opening for the Pointer Sisters, Trevor Robbins (Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at Cambridge University) talks about using cognitive enhancement drugs including atomoxetine, modafanil, Ritalin, d-cycloserine, and ampakines to treat diminished cognitive function in psychiatric disorders. The slides are mostly too blurry to read, unfortunately, but the audio is fine. The solar-powered, organic-farmed Staglin Family Vineyard in Napa Valley organizes fabulous lecture/concert fundraisers for mental health research. Their next event on September 12, 2009 features Helen Mayberg, Pat Benatar with Neil Giraldo, and chef Staffan Terje. Hope to see you there!

[Image by Aaron Webb]

McLean Honors Lee and Bob Woodruff

Lee Woodruff, author and contributing editor at Good Morning America, speaks about her experience with depression and anxiety after her husband Bob Woodruff acquired a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in Iraq. The couple received a McLean Award for “…exceptional courage facing psychological challenges after a traumatic brain injury, for their efforts to further public understanding of brain illness, and for fighting to reduce the stigma of mental illness.”

title Evaluating Cortisol, Stress, and Tic Severity in Tourette Syndrome
description An overview of Tourette’s syndrome, and discussion of research on the impact of stress and comorbid disorders on this neurological syndrome.
producer U.C. Davis M.I.N.D. Institute
featuring Blythe Corbett
format Flash
date 4/14/09
length 00:58:21
link http://www.ucsd.tv/search-details.asp?showID=16227

Tags: brain video lecture neurology neuropsychology stress tourette neuropsychiatry

title Depression and Creativity symposium at the Library of Congress
description With excellent video production quality (but no slides), this webcast “…marks the bicentennial of the birth of German composer Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847), who died after a depression, a very severe depression following the death of his sister [Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel],” says Dr. Jamison to open the long unedited video featuring three top speakers. She gives an overview and review of studies on mental illness and creativity, Terence Ketter speaks on related clinical studies and neuroimaging, and Peter Whybrow, Director of UCLA’s Semel Institute talks about neurobiological correlates of creativity.
producer Library of Congress
featuring Kay Redfield Jamison, Terence Ketter, Peter Whybrow
format Real Media
date 03/02/09
length 02:04:43
link http://www.loc.gov/today/cyberlc/feature_wdesc.php?rec=4516

Tags: brain video lecture depression bipolar art neuropsychiatry neuroimaging

title Structural and functional brain changes in patients with never treated mood disorders
description Neuropsychological studies of people with depression or bipolar, and impairments in youth that may impact development. Cognitive impairments with memory, verbal abilities, and more were found in established illness and in states of remission, and in at risk youth who were asymptomatic or never been affected but had a first-degree relative with a mood disorder. With accompanying PDF and a bio on PDF.
producer BC Mental Health and Addictions Research Network 2008 Research Colloquium
featuring Glenda MacQueen, MD, FRCP(C), PhD
format Flash
date 14/02/08
length 00:58:22
link [BEWARE AUTOPLAY] http://www.mhanet.ca/media/2008-colloquium/2008colloquium-06.html

Tags: brain video lecture cog_sci cognitive depression bipolar neuropsychology neuropsychiatry neurodevelopment youth cancon