All behavior is a consequence of complex neurochemical interactions. The ability to interpret these processes facilitates the development of an accurate prognosis about the underlying condition. The neuroscientist acts as an intermediary, breaking down and revealing probabilities in a scientific and precise way, allowing other professionals to perform interventions in a more objective and simplified manner.
In a hypothetical example, let us consider two young academics with good cognitive abilities. The first young man demonstrates ease in studying and maintains good grades in most subjects. The second, on the other hand, puts off studying, showing symptoms of fatigue and procrastination when he needs to study.
Although the second young person is no less intelligent than the first – and may even have superior cognitive potential – differences in brain conditions and functioning may explain the distinct behaviors. Analyzing and interpreting these differences may offer a way to help the second young person, who suffers from emotional consequences, such as symptoms of demotivation.
In the first case, the young person presents a high production of glutamate and adequate efficiency in the function of GABA. Glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter, plays a fundamental role in memory storage, especially in conjunction with acetylcholine, which depends on glutamate for its function. GABA, in turn, acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter, modulating the excessive excitatory activity of glutamate. Norepinephrine contributes to the maintenance of attentional focus, facilitating efficient learning.
In the second case, the young person also has a high production of glutamate, but has lower efficiency in the function of GABA. This inefficiency can result in dysregulation of neural excitability, affecting attentional focus, possibly due to a dysfunction in the production or regulation of norepinephrine. Consequently, insufficient attention impairs the function of acetylcholine, compromising memory storage. In addition, reduced levels of dopamine can explain the lack of motivation and incentive. Such characteristics are common in young people who make excessive use of social networks and electronic devices, or in cases of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In addition, a high speed of brain processing with functional dysregulation – in which certain brain areas are more efficient than others – can be an underlying factor.
Determining these differences and exploring their possibilities can optimize the assessment of the young person’s condition. It is important to note that many other variables must be considered, and a complete anamnesis is essential for a more accurate prognosis. This example has been illustrated in a simplified way to provide a preliminary view of how such analyses can be conducted.
Analyzing differences in brain function, together with a complete assessment and professional monitoring, can help understand and overcome learning difficulties, such as procrastination and lack of motivation.
Dr. Fabiano de Abreu Agrela Rodrigues MRSB holds a post-PhD in Neuroscience and is an elected member of Sigma Xi – The Scientific Research Honor Society (more than 200 members of Sigma Xi have received the Nobel Prize), as well as being a member of the Society for Neuroscience in the United States, the Royal Society of Biology and The Royal Society of Medicine in the United Kingdom, the European Society of Human Genetics in Vienna, Austria, and the APA – American Philosophical Association in the United States. He holds a Master’s degree in Psychology and a Bachelor’s degree in History and Biology. He is also a Technologist in Anthropology and Philosophy, with several national and international degrees in Neuroscience and Neuropsychology. Dr. Fabiano is a member of prestigious high IQ societies, including Mensa International, Intertel, ISPE High IQ Society, Triple Nine Society, ISI-Society, and HELLIQ Society High IQ. He is the author of more than 300 scientific studies and 30 books. He is currently a visiting professor at PUCRS in Brazil, UNIFRANZ in Bolivia and Santander in Mexico. He also serves as Director of CPAH – Centro de Pesquisa e Análises Heráclito and is the creator of the GIP project, which estimates IQ through the analysis of genetic intelligence. Dr. Fabiano is also a registered journalist, having his name included in the book of records for achieving four records, one of which is for being the greatest creator of characters in the history of the press.