Posted by helenbpd on February 27, 2002, at 19:41:03
In reply to Re: But..., posted by noa on February 25, 2002, at 17:39:55
>
> The brain alters experience and experience can alter the brain. This makes for a perpetually interacting system.Hi, I'm pretty new and was exercised a bit by this thread too, rigid old codgers and fuzzy thinkers alike! ... a reaction I suspect was entirely intended. A lot of talking from a "manly" man. And a lot of black-and-white cognition and total denial of affect from someone who doesn't "believe" in cognitive disorders. :) But heck, that's why we're here, and I'm game for new ideas.
On this issue I agree 100% with Noe & Dinah. I firmly believe that mental functioning is an ongoing DIALECTIC between genes/environment.
I'm involved fairly intensely in a community of those with borderline personality disorder and their loved ones (yes, those "nonsensical" Axis II disorders Old School doesn't beieve in), and I must say, the evidence is fairly compelling that early trauma leaves some very distinct chemical marks on the psyche. Tell Old School to check out any research by Bessel von der Kolk, Judith Herman, Bruce Perry or Alan Schore, and he'll find plenty of hard evidence as to this phenomenon.
I see no reason why, if external circumstance (in the form of abuse) can create trauma (personality disorders), it can't also help cure trauma (in the form of cognitive therapy). It really IS possible for folks to "rescript" themselves into healthier brains. Hardly easy, sure, and with about the success rate of someone recovering mobility after a stroke, but it CAN happen! I've seen it. And meds can certainly help the process along by making a person less rigidly "stuck" in their cognitive patterns, as well as less prone to the physically-based affective stuff.
So: I agree, it's a lovely, fluid, never-ending cycle, as Dinah points out. And more power to the human experience of ALL of it! And fie on black & white thinking.
:)
Helen
http://home.hvc.rr.com/helenbpd(ps I just posted under Bipolar or Borderline with a similar schtick)
poster:helenbpd
thread:18721
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20020223/msgs/18994.html