Emotion Induced Monoamine Neuromodulator Release Affects Functional Neurological Disorders, Liang et al, 2021

[Andy]

Functional neurologic disorders (FNDs), also called conversion disorder (previously called hysteria), can show almost all the symptoms of other neurological diseases, including both physical (for example, seizure, weakness, fatigue) and psychological (for instance, depression, anxiety) symptoms. In spite of our general knowledge about emotional processes and developmental defects in the formation of these somatic symptoms, there is still no systemic and comprehensive research on the effects of emotional developmental variables in FND. Recently, both experimental and theoretical emotion studies have been greatly increased, such as prediction error, conceptual act model, basic emotional theory, and monoamine neuromodulator based three primary emotions. In addition, a large amount of evidence has confirmed the role of psychosocial adversity (such as stressful life events, interpersonal difficulties) as an important risk factor for FND. Here, we review recent advances about emotional stress on FND, and pay special attention to the effects of monoamine neuromodulators, such as how norepinephrine and serotonin affect behaviors. Then, we discuss the significance of these changes for FND, which may contribute to clarifying the pathogenesis of FND, and thus provide potential therapeutic drug targets or psychological intervention methods in the future.

Open access, https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcell.2021.633048/full

 

[Hutan]

In spite of our general knowledge about emotional processes and developmental defects in the formation of these somatic symptoms

In addition, a large amount of evidence has confirmed the role of psychosocial adversity (such as stressful life events, interpersonal difficulties) as an important risk factor for FND.

I'm struggling to muster up the energy and enthusiasm required to read this paper. From the abstract, it assumes a great deal that is questionable is proven.

 

[Jonathan Edwards]

I'm struggling to muster up the energy and enthusiasm required to read this paper. From the abstract, it assumes a great deal that is questionable is proven.

You need to get a robot to read it for you @Hutan - they understand this stuff better than we do.

 

[Hutan]

If I had a robot that could understand that abstract, I reckon it would also have better things to do with its time.

 

[Mithriel]

FND proponents are taking Freudian theory and by cloaking it in a mask of scientific detail they make them sound erudite and grounded in proven biology.

When you try to work out what they are saying to refute it there is nothing there beyond "the emotions did it"

It is like talking about crystal therapy using wavelengths and other detailed physics of crystallography. It has all the hallmarks of the sort of pseudoscience the New Scientist calls out in its columns; things like quantum irradiated water as a cure for everything.