Thalamocortical Dysrhythmias and the Triple Network Model
Presented by: Dirk DeRidder
Thalamocortical dysrhythmia is a unifying pathophysiological mechanism that defines multiple clinical disorders such as chronic pain, tinnitus, Parkinson's disease, depression and epilepsy, but also noted in ADHD, schizophrenia and OCD. It is characterized by a slowing of thalamocortical resting state alpha activity to theta frequencies. The theta is associated with gamma band activity in the area of deafferentation depending on the topographic location of the theta-gamma dysrhythmia different clinical characteristics emerge, eg tinnitus if the theta-gamma dysrhythmia is located in the auditory cortex, pain if located in the somatosensory cortex, Parkinson's disease if located in the motor cortex etc. all thalamocortical dysrhythmias are associated with beta activity in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex and (para)hippocampus, likely reflecting pathology associated suffering and memory derived filling in respectively. The dysrhythmia has to be functionally connected to cognitive networks for the dsyrhythmia to become perceived, i.e. interpreted, whether conscious or not. These networks consist of the default mode network and central executive network. For conscious interpretation of the thalamocortical dysrhythmia also the salience network needs to be co-activated. Hence thalamocortical dysrhythmias need to be seen in the broader picture of the triple network model. This extension of the triple network to the quadruple network paves the way for the rational development of new treatments for this set of brain disorders with a common underlying pathophysiology.
Learning Objectives:
o Participants will be able to recite common pathophysiology of thalamocortical dysrhythmias.
o Participants will be able to assess the triple network model of mental disorders.
o Participants will be able to describe the integration of thalamocortical dysrhytmias within the triple network model.
o Participants will be able to develop treatment approaches for thalamocortical dysrhythmias based on the abobe 1-3.
LEVEL: ADVANCED
Builds upon established experience, knowledge, and skills in the content area. This may include more diverse applications to specific populations, or a novel application of the skill presented. Advanced level programming tends to be more specialized in nature and allows the learner to integrate and enhance knowledge and skills into their practice or other professional domains. The primary goal of this particular program is to broaden the clinical, consultative, and research knowledge bases of attendees and was deemed advanced, by the definition above. For those psychologists using the modality of biofeedback and interested in efficacy, science, and latest clinical applications. This conference presents research relevant to psychological practice, education, and science; (2) it is our intention to host an offering to help psychologists to keep up with the most current scientific evidence regarding assessment, intervention, and education; and (3) we believe that this program would allow psychologists to increase competencies to improve services to patients. This conference is IN NO WAY a substitute for the basic academic education and training needed for entry into the field of psychology.