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A review by salpat
The Mind and the Brain: Neuroplasticity and the Power of Mental Force by Sharon Begley, Jeffrey M. Schwartz
2.0
A moderately interesting book about the neurophysiological changes that accompany psychiatric treatment for OCD, combined with a ghastly and absolutely illogical appeal to quantum physics for the existence of free will.
I read this shortly after having read. 'The Brain that Changes Itself'. In some ways, I preferred parts of this book because rather than being based on single case studies, this book seemed to present summaries of results from larger studies. Thus, I expect the more evidence-supported claims in this book will hold up better than those in Doige'a book. Changes in activity in the frontal regions of the brain through successful treatment of OCD is really interesting. However, to claim from "successful psychiatric treatment changes brain function" that "free will exists" is logically flawed (at least in the way the arguments are made in this book, such as they are).
Any successful treatment of any psychiatric disorder necessarily entails change to brain function: that is where behavior comes from (even if you include secondary effects of hormonal systems elsewhere in the body).
I read this shortly after having read. 'The Brain that Changes Itself'. In some ways, I preferred parts of this book because rather than being based on single case studies, this book seemed to present summaries of results from larger studies. Thus, I expect the more evidence-supported claims in this book will hold up better than those in Doige'a book. Changes in activity in the frontal regions of the brain through successful treatment of OCD is really interesting. However, to claim from "successful psychiatric treatment changes brain function" that "free will exists" is logically flawed (at least in the way the arguments are made in this book, such as they are).
Any successful treatment of any psychiatric disorder necessarily entails change to brain function: that is where behavior comes from (even if you include secondary effects of hormonal systems elsewhere in the body).