News Animal Model Shows Long-term Abuse Physically Changes The Brain

[anthony]

I changed the heading of this to 'Animal Model' as this was not a clinical study of humans, and was an animal model of testing. I have attached the actual PDF, as I don't like second hand observations being added by blog style news sites.

 

[Abstract]

Thanks Maze.

I agree with everyone on here. I suspect that when such experiences contribute then there still has to be a perfect storm. Probably genetics, trauma and personality as well as lack of impulse control or empathy for it to happen. Trauma very obviously isn't enough to make human being abusive as if it was then all who are traumatised would be aggressive. Not saying it doesn't make it more difficult but still.

Neuroplasticity

I love the neuroplasticity concept Ms Spock. Thank you for sharing the book recommendation.

free will or choices made

Totally agree Gizmo. I even think that proper serious genetic predispositions are still not the only factor. I can't help but think that someone not being able to feel empathy must be a bigger link. And even then many/most people with empathy issues can still hold onto a concept of what is right and wrong and act accordingly if I am not mistaken.

 

[Don't trip]

Loved this article and neuroscience is evolving in learning about how the brain can literally be wired and rewired with abuse and recovery. The same is true for addictions and science is making connections to the cycles of abuse being comparable lb the brain with wiring to addiction. This is part of why I believe recovery is so hard. It's a lot of work to rewire our brains from an addictive state. As far as the violent offender and choice. Yes they do make a choice they just don't care about the outcome. This is how the brains of psychopaths are wired. Empathy is non existent and risk taking behavior is exaggerated in areas of the brain in which the risk taking as reward is the intentional harm of others.