Scientists identify mechanism that helps us inhibit unwanted thoughts

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https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/11/171103085308.htm

The human brain's ability to control our thoughts and avoid certain thoughts or memories with a negative connotation is a fundamental part of our happiness. In a new research study done by Dr. Taylor Schmitz and Professor Anderson,  a "Think/No-Think" task was used to test the brain process that allows the prefrontal cortex to inhibit our thoughts. The participants were taught to associate certain words with a paired, but unconnected, word and then associating the words with a color: red or green. The participants are then asked to recall the associated word if the cue is green or to suppress it if the cue is red. By using fMRI imaging to watch what was happening in key regions of the brain as the participants were asked to inhibit their thoughts they were able to see that this process relies on the neurotransmitter GABA. It was found that people with less GABA were less able to suppress their hippocampal activity by the prefrontal cortex, making it more difficult for them to inhibit thoughts.

This study reminded me of the content we recently covered in Cognitive Psychology surrounding the retrieval process in memory. We discussed that by using retrieval cues it helps a person remember information and can increase by matching the conditions to the information. In relation to this study, it led me to wonder if the levels of GABA in a person's prefrontal cortex would also in turn affect their retrieval processing. 


Comments

  1. Alice PenrowNovember 15, 2017 at 10:45 AM

    This is very interesting on a treatment level. The possibility of finding a new way to treat schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety, will allow many people an option for a treatment that could work where traditional anti-anxiety/antidepressants haven't been successful. The memory aspect is also interesting. Perhaps the studies on GABA and inhibition of thoughts could open new avenues for memory training and therapy for those who suffer from PTSD.

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  2. UnknownNovember 15, 2017 at 3:07 PM

    This article is very interesting. It reminds me of the discussion we just had in Physiological psychology class earlier today about how the Prefrontal Cortex controls if you have a positive or negative emotion. The prefrontal cortex uses GABA to suppress the amygdala from having negative emotions when it is unnecessary. This makes sense after reading this article because the prefrontal cortex suppresses the amygdala which works with the hippocampus. It is really cool to see the effect on those who have less GABA.

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  3. UnknownNovember 15, 2017 at 8:05 PM

    I found this article very helpful in gaining a better understanding of what GABA is responsible for, and its role in the brain. We spent a lot of time studying this specific neurotransmitter in cognitive psychology. It is more clear as to why low levels of GABA are linked to depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders; people are unable to inhibit their thoughts. If GABA levels were at a normal state, it would block the impulses between nerve cells in the brain.

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  4. UnknownNovember 16, 2017 at 12:38 PM

    The study is a great way to explain the physiological occurrences for individuals who suffer from an anxiety disorder. In abnormal psych we were taught that these disorders effect a person from being able to perform regular everyday tasks because the unwanted thoughts can not be controlled. These individuals are most likely prescribed a medication enhancing the ability of GABBA to inhibit those unwanted thoughts. It is interesting to see that the natural levels of GABBA in someone who has trouble inhibiting their thoughts were much less than someone with higher levels.

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  5. Kristen AndersonNovember 16, 2017 at 4:38 PM

    Memory helps use retain the information we received firsthand from experience or secondhand from learning from others. I think that the best way to enhance memory is through repetition and application. Applying what you have learned with make your more likely to retain the information. I think that this a good method for blocking out negative thoughts that may contribute to other mental disorders like anxiety and depression. Replacing negative thoughts but repeatedly instilling positive thoughts can help improve emotions and overall behavior.

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