Posted by Racer on September 9, 2008, at 9:33:48
In reply to Re: What % of personality is just neurotransmitters?, posted by SLS on August 28, 2008, at 5:12:06
I've had a lot of animals in my life, and they've all had very different temperaments. This affects the way they have to be approached -- training a thoroughbred horse is very different from working with a Quarter Horse, for example. They've got an inborn temperament which can't be changed. The sort of training techniques that work just great with a QH will often leave a TB a quivering basket case, and what works with a TB will sometimes produce a QH who'll walk all over you. And if you get the right approach with the right horse, you can get something beautiful.
I think of that when I consider this question. Yes, adjustments to the neurochemical landscape in my head will affect my apparent temperament. But that's not the same as saying my personality is "just" neurochemical in nature.
Years back, the theory was put forward that rheumatoid arthritis was a self-limiting disease: the active phase lasted approximately 21 years, after which it remitted on its own. The ongoing problems were caused by the mechanical damage done to joints during the active phase, and it was that damage which continued the degenerative process beyond the remission of the active, inflammatory stage of the disease. I don't know that there's ever been any consensus about that, but the concept stuck with me, and I think it fits here: the mood disorders cause changes to our behavior, and those changes have lasting effects. That's why I am in favor of therapy for everyone, in addition to meds, by the bye. The depression may be triggered biochemically, but it leads to behaviors which perpetuate depression.
Free will -- I do believe it's important, no matter how much of our personality is initially dictated by chemical processes. I believe we're a product of inborn temperament interacting with the environment -- just as the basket case Thoroughbreds, disrespectful QHs, and perfect partnership horses are.
It's not early enough for me to say "it's too early to make sense" which is quite sad. It's nice to be able to blame the early hour. Instead, I'll have to say, "what? you expect me to think on a Tuesday? What's up with that?" I hope something in there made sense.
poster:Racer
thread:847393
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/neuro/20080706/msgs/851152.html