Loud Thoughts: Depression, Anxiety, ADHD and the Default Mode Network

Understand the circuitry of the self as we uncover the neurological pathways behind the Ego and explain what the Default Mode Network is.

Topics covered:

• What the hell is the Default Mode Network
• The Brain Pathways of Anxiety and Depression
• The imbalances causing ADHD
• How modern medicines interact with the brain
• The effect of meditation and psilocybin on the DMN

Starting with Hans Berger's pioneering work with EEG this episode covers the history of Default Mode Network discovery, its role in ADHD symptoms, and the impact of Default Mode Network on depression.

We also explore the connection between DMN and anxiety disorders and discuss the benefits of therapeutic interventions targeting the Default Mode Network.

Learn how modern neuroscience uses DMN insights to enhance psychiatric treatments and the overall understanding of mental health.

Further Reading

• Default Mode Network on Wikipedia
• Where is the Default mode network
• Paper: The Brains Default Mode Network
• Paper: Schizophrenia and DMN
• Paper: Autism and DMN
• Theory of Mind

Related Episodes

• How to Stop Catastrophizing
• Science of Psilocybin Therapy w/ Gabriel Charalambides

Psilocybin Therapy

• John Hopkins Research
• Legal treatment in the USA - Odyssey

Meditation Retreats

• Paper: Meditation effect on the DMN
• Book: Why Buddism is True (Evolutionary Psychology of Meditation)
• 10 day Vipassana (free) - Dhamma.org

Growth Mindset pod

Sam Webster Harris explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement.

Success and happiness is a state of mind unique to ourselves and is our responsibility to create.

• Watch the pod - YouTube (Growth Mindset)
• Mail - GrowthMindsetPodcast(at)gmail.com
• Insta - SamJam.zen

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the Default Mode Network

02:04 Hans Berger and history of EEG and brain mapping

04:49 Discovery of the Default mode network

06:14 What is the default mode network?

06:33 #1 Self-referential thought

07:00 #2 Theory of mind

07:43 #3 Autobiographical memory

08:12 #4 Envisioning future scenarios

08:32 #5 Mind wandering and daydreaming

09:16 #6 Creativity

10:21 Depression and the brain

11:28 Anti Depressant medication and the DMN

12:41 Anxiety

14:08 Anti Anxiety medication and Benzodiazepines

15:27 ADHD

16:16 ADHD medication and stimulants

18:03 How Meditation Regulates the DMN

20:34 Psilocybin impact on the DMN

22:41 Wrap up

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