NEW YORK PSYCHOANALYTIC SOCIETY & INSTITUTE:
Arnold Pfeffer Center for Neuropsychoanalysis
Marianne and Nicholas Young Auditorium
247 East 82nd St., between 2nd & 3rd, NY, NY 10028
212-879-6900
www.psychoanalysis.org
www.nypsi.org
Saturday, May 2, 2015, 10 am – 12 pm
Jaak Panksepp, Ph.D., Washington State University will present
Human Brain Evolution: Preclinical Modeling of the Mind & the Search for New Antidepressants
Free and open to the public
RSVP is appreciated but not required; first come, first-seated
Recent research clearly indicates that our neocortical expansions essential for our cognitive minds (mediated by a few genetic changes), are born empty of contents (i.e., evolutionary specializations) — everything there is programmed by life experiences. In contrast, cross-species evolutionary specializations are abundant in subcortical brain regions — homologous across mammals — that control our attentional, motivational and emotional urges. These homologies allow animal brain research to illuminate the foundation of human minds. Mammalian brains contain at least 7 primal emotional systems – SEEKING, RAGE, FEAR, LUST, CARE, PANIC and PLAY (capitalization reflects a proposed primary-process terminology, to minimize semantic/mereological confusions). These systems provide foundations for the rest of the mind which, when imbalanced, promote various common life/psychiatric problems (e.g. depressive, impulse control & manic disorders), providing cross-species insights for understanding human psychopathologies. Three systems are especially important for preclinical modeling of depression: The separation distress (PANIC) system mediates the psychic pain of separation distress (i.e. excessive sadness and grief), which can be counteracted by minimizing PANIC arousals (as with low-doses of “safe” opioids like buprenorphine). Depressive dysphoria can also arises from reduced brain reward-SEEKING and related PLAY urges — namely diminished enthusiasm and social joy-laughter experiences. An understanding of such fundamental emotional circuits in preclinical (animal) models has promoted the development of three novel therapeutics to counteract depression – (i) low-dose buprenorphine, which reduces PANIC arousal and suicidal ideation (with Yoram Yovell, Univ. of Haifa), (ii) direct arousal of SEEKING-mediated capacity for elevated enthusiasm to counteract amotivational dysphoria (with Volker Coenen’s group at Univ. of Bonn/Freiburg), and (iii) the discovery of social-joy-promoting molecules derived from the analysis of PLAY dynamics (with Jeff Burgdorf and Joe Moskal at the Falk Center for Molecular Therapeutics, Northwestern).
Educational Objectives: After attending, participants will be able to:
1. Describe what is uniquely evolved in human brains
2. Give two examples of how primal human emotional feelings can be best understood through evolutionary approaches.
3. Describe how preclinical modeling of emotional feelings can yield new avenues for development of new anti-depressants
Physicians: This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint sponsorship of the American Psychoanalytic Association and the New York Psychoanalytic Society and Institute. The American Psychoanalytic Association is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
The American Psychoanalytic Association designates this Live Activity for a maximum of [2] AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
IMPORTANT DISCLOSURE INFORMATION FOR ALL LEARNERS: None of the planners and presenters of this CME program have any relevant financial relationships to disclose.
Psychologists: New York Psychoanalytic Society & Institute is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to sponsor continuing education programs for psychologists. NYPSI maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
DISCLOSURE: None of the planners and presenters of this CE program have any relevant financial relationships to disclose.
Persons with disabilities: The building is wheelchair accessible and has an elevator. Please notify the registrar in advance if you require accommodations.
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