The Brain

 In the past it was believed that the brain underwent all of its changes in childhood and then began its path towards decline. The brain was fixed in its capabilities through the course of evolution and heredity, and it was best for a brain researcher to understand how the brain’s specific functions operated.

 Based on the idea that the brain is similar to a complex machine in which each section is responsible for a particular function.  This idea of a completely localized brain has been the focus of neuroscience for much time.  While still adhered to in many respects, this theory has been challenged on its firm stance that the brain is completely localized and is unchanging. Localizationism

 Broken down the word neuroplastic means: neuro is for neuron, which are the nerve cells in our brains and nervous systems; and plastic is for changeable, malleable, or modifiable.  Basically what the term implies is that the brain is able to change throughout a lifespan.  Neuroplastic research has shown that the brain is capable of reorganizing itself when one part fails, that children are not necessarily stuck with the mental abilities that they were born with, and that if brain cells die they can often be replaced. Neuroplasticity

 In order to understand how neuroplasticity works one has to think of the brain as a topographic map. Each area is mapped out to perform certain functions.  The map itself is however plastic in that it changes. Different individuals for instance have developed certain areas of the brain more so than others.  Like a muscle that is developed and “worked-out” the sections of the brain with most training are changed and developed in depth (“neurons that fire together wire together”), while those areas not trained are less developed (“you don’t use it you lose it”).  Previously it was believed that the majority of plasticity occurred in childhood, but eventually it came to an end in early adulthood. Though plasticity slows in adulthood the brain is still capable of changing when worked upon. This is a HUGE discovery as it has allowed the learning process to continue and brain researchers to help those in need. How it works

 -Rewire or reorganize the brain so that new areas are developed to compensate for the failure and damaging of others (though often at a lesser functioning level).  - Correct psychological problems such as OCD by developing sections of the brain to help compensate for its neurological malfunctions.  - Aiding with the understanding of autism by studying the changes that occur during the plastic stages in development.  -Helping children with learning disabilities better develop their brains through repetitive exercises designed to tackle the problem area head on.  -Understand how the brain will strengthen certain areas when exposed to specific stimuli. Problems can occur if one area is strengthened as other areas may become weaker (there is only so much space to rewire) Understanding Plasticity Has Helped

 Read the supplied passage from “The Brain That Changes Itself” by Norman Doidge. 1.In your own words describe what obsessive compulsive disorder is. (2 marks) 2.What are some of the traditional treatments for OCD? Explain. (4 marks) 3.Summarize and explain why an obsessive compulsive cannot “turn the page” and allow their “gear shift” to move automatically. (5 marks)  4. Summarize Schwartz’s therapy for those suffering from OCD. (4 marks)