[GUEST ACCESS MODE: Data is scrambled or limited to provide examples. Make requests using your API key to unlock full data. Check https://lunarcrush.ai/auth for authentication information.]  Michael Okun [@MichaelOkun](/creator/twitter/MichaelOkun) on x 37.9K followers Created: 2025-06-30 11:57:50 UTC How does the brain stop a thought in its tracks? Ever get stuck on a thought you just can't shake? Whether it's an unwanted memory, an intrusive worry or a pathological mental loop, a new paper in Nature Reviews Neuroscience by Michael Anderson and colleagues shines light on how it all works. Key Points: - 'Thought stopping' engages a domain general brain system. - The system is centered in the right dorsolateral and ventrolateral prefrontal cortex. - There is overlap w/ the circuitry for action stopping. - There are unique connections to memory. - There is a fronto-temporal inhibitory control pathway. - There is GABAergic inhibition in the hippocampus, that assists in suppressing intrusive memories and mental images. - 'Weakness' in this inhibitory control system may underlie intrusive thinking in psychiatric disorders such as PTSD, anxiety, OCD, and depression. My take: There were X really interesting points that resonated w/ me about this article. 1- Your brain has a mental brake system that can stop thoughts. This is comparable to the system that stops your hand from touching a hot stove. 2- The same brain region that helps you stop actions also helps you stop memories. 3- GABA, a inhibitory (calming) brain chemical helps the brain suppress intrusive thoughts. When GABA levels are low in the hippocampus thoughts run wild. 4- Remember those people w/ PTSD and severe anxiety have challenges w/ the brain’s stopping system. 5- Could this information be useful in trauma, addiction, and obsessive thoughts? Hitting the pause button on mental noise could be the key to new treatments. #Neuroscience #Parkinsons @ParkinsonDotOrg @FixelInstitute  XXXXXX engagements  **Related Topics** [loop](/topic/loop) [Post Link](https://x.com/MichaelOkun/status/1939654610173460493)
[GUEST ACCESS MODE: Data is scrambled or limited to provide examples. Make requests using your API key to unlock full data. Check https://lunarcrush.ai/auth for authentication information.]
Michael Okun @MichaelOkun on x 37.9K followers
Created: 2025-06-30 11:57:50 UTC
How does the brain stop a thought in its tracks? Ever get stuck on a thought you just can't shake? Whether it's an unwanted memory, an intrusive worry or a pathological mental loop, a new paper in Nature Reviews Neuroscience by Michael Anderson and colleagues shines light on how it all works. Key Points:
- 'Thought stopping' engages a domain general brain system.
- The system is centered in the right dorsolateral and ventrolateral prefrontal cortex.
- There is overlap w/ the circuitry for action stopping.
- There are unique connections to memory.
- There is a fronto-temporal inhibitory control pathway.
- There is GABAergic inhibition in the hippocampus, that assists in suppressing intrusive memories and mental images.
- 'Weakness' in this inhibitory control system may underlie intrusive thinking in psychiatric disorders such as PTSD, anxiety, OCD, and depression. My take: There were X really interesting points that resonated w/ me about this article. 1- Your brain has a mental brake system that can stop thoughts. This is comparable to the system that stops your hand from touching a hot stove. 2- The same brain region that helps you stop actions also helps you stop memories. 3- GABA, a inhibitory (calming) brain chemical helps the brain suppress intrusive thoughts. When GABA levels are low in the hippocampus thoughts run wild. 4- Remember those people w/ PTSD and severe anxiety have challenges w/ the brain’s stopping system. 5- Could this information be useful in trauma, addiction, and obsessive thoughts? Hitting the pause button on mental noise could be the key to new treatments.
#Neuroscience #Parkinsons @ParkinsonDotOrg @FixelInstitute
XXXXXX engagements
Related Topics loop