Neural Networks
Neural networks form the foundation of all psychological processes. They enable memories, emotions and behaviors. Understanding how they work helps explain why certain triggers can provoke such strong reactions.
The Neural Network
Section titled “The Neural Network”What happens in the brain when we remember - for example, the face of an ex-partner?
A specific face corresponds in the brain to a very specific combination of many nerve cells - a network structure that fires together in response to a signal (trigger). This trigger can be someone who walks, smells, or looks similar. The signal does not even need to be consciously received.
What Happens During Triggering
Section titled “What Happens During Triggering”When this network fires, an entire cascade of sensations, images and reactions is triggered:
- Network activates - The specific neurons begin to fire
- Limbic system reacts - Emotions stored there are activated
- Hormones are released - Neurotransmitters activated
- Physical reactions - Via sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system (sweating, anxiety, trembling, increased heart rate)
It can take up to 4 seconds - under certain circumstances even minutes - until your cerebrum has processed that it is not the ex-partner. This is because the limbic system initially blocks the cerebrum while biochemical reactions are triggered.
Why Forgetting Is So Difficult
Section titled “Why Forgetting Is So Difficult”This process works the same way in borderline sufferers. Their networks are activated by triggers, and thus a single situation is enough to bring childhood and the past back to life.
This also explains why it is so difficult to forget what has been after a borderline relationship: The smallest triggers are enough to fire neural networks that are programmed for specific experiences.
Structure of a Nerve Cell (Neuron)
Section titled “Structure of a Nerve Cell (Neuron)”A biological nerve cell consists of several components:
Basic Structure
Section titled “Basic Structure”| Component | Description | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Soma | Cell body | Contains the cell nucleus and basic cell organelles |
| Dendrites | Short conductors (approx. 0.4 mm) | Receive stimuli from other nerve cells |
| Axon | Long conductor (mm to several meters) | Transmits signals to other cells |
| Synapses | Contact points | Connection between axons and dendrites |
Signal Transmission
Section titled “Signal Transmission”When the soma is stimulated beyond a certain threshold via the dendrites, the cell generates a brief electrical impulse (spike). This is transmitted by the axon to other cells.
Since dendrites and axons branch extensively, the high connection numbers of biological nervous systems arise. Each neuron can be connected to thousands of others.
How the Brain Can Be Tricked
Section titled “How the Brain Can Be Tricked”Each dendrite, each terminal button is programmed for something specific. Through the interplay of certain neurons, an image and a reaction emerge.
A simple experiment: Close your eyes and say 10 times aloud: “I am now not thinking about a large animal with a long trunk and big, moving ears.”
What did you see? An elephant. This is because neuron networks were addressed that are programmed for the image of the elephant - even though you wanted the opposite.
This also explains why we can only see what we allow or what our brain dictates.
Synapses - The Connection Points
Section titled “Synapses - The Connection Points”The connection between two neurons occurs via synapses. This connection is not static.
The Synaptic Cleft
Section titled “The Synaptic Cleft”Signals are transmitted from one neuron to another with the help of neurotransmitters:
- Acetylcholine
- Serotonin
- Dopamine
- Adrenaline
- Noradrenaline
These are released from synaptic vesicles into the synaptic cleft and taken up by the subsequent neuron via the postsynaptic membrane. They dock at corresponding receptors there and in turn trigger electrical activity.
Reuptake
Section titled “Reuptake”Unused transmitters are taken back up by the releasing terminal button, to be available for the next activity.
Synaptic Learning and Addiction
Section titled “Synaptic Learning and Addiction”This synaptic learning process is decisive in the development of all addictions:
- The “substance” must be supplied in increasing amounts to achieve the required release
- At some point, the synapses forget how to provide the corresponding amount of transmitters without assistance
- Habituation leads to ever higher doses
The same principle applies to relationship addiction: The alternation between “good” and “bad” in an unstable relationship is a neural biochemical alternating process that can only continue until the synapses literally short-circuit (psychosis, depression, suicidal crises).
Pharmacological Interventions
Section titled “Pharmacological Interventions”SSRIs and MAO Inhibitors
Section titled “SSRIs and MAO Inhibitors”So-called Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), MAO inhibitors (monoamine oxidase), SNRIs and others intervene in the synaptic cleft:
- They delay the reuptake of certain transmitters
- Serotonin, noradrenaline or dopamine are available for longer
- This counteracts depression
Mode of Action
Section titled “Mode of Action”| Medication Class | Mechanism | Affected Transmitters |
|---|---|---|
| SSRI | Inhibits serotonin reuptake | Serotonin |
| SNRI | Inhibits reuptake | Serotonin, noradrenaline |
| MAO inhibitor | Inhibits degradation enzyme | Serotonin, noradrenaline, dopamine |
Synapse Types
Section titled “Synapse Types”There are two fundamental types of synapses:
Excitatory Synapses
Section titled “Excitatory Synapses”These contribute to the stimulation of the soma. They increase the probability that the downstream neuron fires.
Inhibitory Synapses
Section titled “Inhibitory Synapses”These have an inhibiting effect on the downstream neuron. They reduce the probability of activation.
The interplay of both types enables fine control of neural activity and prevents uncontrolled spread of excitation.