RE: [ET2] Tr: LeDoux' dual pathway

Whether or not ET can change the low road is not something I feel
qualified to answer.in particular in light of Damasio's reference to
LeDoux' 2002 "The Synaptic Self" regarding the fact that "studies
focused on the amygdala reveal that a variety of glutamate receptor
known as the NMDA receptor is a key in these processes [molecular and
cellular mechanisms necessary for emotional learning to take place],
especially its NR2B subnunit. For example [and this is the part I
consider of essence] disruption of this subunit prevents fear
conditioning; on the other hand, the same subunit can be manipulated
genetically to produce enhancements of emotional learning" (Damasio,
2003, p.305). An earlier section in this same book (Damasio's most
recent work), in which he discusses the triggering and execution of
emotions is excellent.
 
Gabrielle
 
The herald or announcer of the adventure...is often dark, loathly, or
terrify-ing, judged evil by the world; yet if one could follow, the way
would be opened through the walls of day into the dark where the jewels
glow.
Joseph Campbell (The Hero With A Thousand Faces)
 
-----Original Message-----
From: maalberse [mailto:maalberse_at_WBpvwc-0TZLwwr2vFtlG-6wGvrCzX3YZ0LhfdLtIpj-YO909LVFqUGEQudMZszTBEx.yahoo.invalid]
Sent: Wednesday, February 12, 2003 10:40 AM
To: emotrance2_at_yahoogroups.com
Subject: [ET2] Tr: LeDoux' dual pathway
 
apparently this one got lost in cyberspace. So here goes again, slightly
rewritten:

Dear Brian, Gabrielle and all.

Here's a very brief summary of LeDoux' "dual pathway" model. He speaks
about the low road and the high road (the one that the cognitive
therapists use).

Both pathways start the same:

Information ("energy") -> senses -> sensory thalamus.

>From here the "low" (and fast) road goes directly to the amygdala,
"allowing information to reach it very quickly, but only with minimal
processing".

The high road goes first to the cortex (-> more differentiated
processing) and *then* to the amygdala.

The information of the "high road" can implement or correct the
information having first reached the amygdala. For instance by stopping
emotional dynamics started already by the "low road".

So along this model the cognitivists aren't quite wrong; they just are
"too late"; cognitive therapy works to *control* emotional processes
that already have started!

Does ET change the "low" road?

Maarten

.

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Received on Wed Feb 12 2003 - 09:13:09 GMT