The science of emotions: Jaak Panksepp at TEDxRainier

Summary

In this talk, Jaak Panksepp explores the role of emotions in both humans and animals, drawing on neuroscience to understand how feelings shape survival. He discusses how emotions like fear, love, and joy are rooted in brain systems shared with other animals. By studying these systems, scientists can develop treatments for mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Panksepp emphasizes the importance of taking animal emotions seriously, as this understanding could lead to breakthroughs in both neuroscience and our treatment of animals, and ultimately reveal more about our own emotional experiences.

Takeaways

• 🤔 Emotions are vital to human survival and understanding them is key to understanding our behavior.
• 👩‍🔬 Neuroscience is the primary path to unlocking the mysteries of human emotions, and understanding animal emotions helps us understand our own.
• 🐕 We can't fully comprehend the cognitive thoughts of animals, but we can study their feelings through neuroscience.
• 🐔 Even animals like chickens and guinea pigs have similar emotional systems to humans, which is surprising but scientifically proven.
• 🧠 By stimulating certain brain areas, we can trigger or turn off emotions, offering potential insights into treating emotional disorders.
• 😠 Stimulating anger in animals shows they dislike the feeling, opening the door for possible treatments for chronic anger in humans.
• 😔 Depression may be linked to a diminished 'SEEKING' system, and deep brain stimulation could potentially restore enthusiasm for life.
• 💊 Opioids are linked to emotional attachment and love, but their addictive nature has led to societal and medical challenges.
• 😊 Play and joy systems in the brain offer potential avenues for developing new antidepressants, including one currently being tested.
• 🧬 A new molecule called GLYX-13 has shown immediate antidepressant effects in early human trials, potentially revolutionizing psychiatric medicine.

Q & A

What is the main argument of the speaker regarding emotions in animals and humans?

The speaker argues that by studying the emotions of animals, we can better understand our own emotions. This is because humans and animals share similar emotional systems, which neuroscience can help uncover.

Why does the speaker believe emotions are crucial for survival?

Emotions serve as signals that tell us what supports or detracts from our survival. They help us evaluate situations, guiding behavior that enhances survival chances.

What are the seven basic emotional systems mentioned in the script?

The seven basic emotional systems are SEEKING, FEAR, LUST, CARE, PANIC, RAGE, and PLAY. These systems are fundamental to the emotional experiences in both humans and animals.

How does the speaker differentiate between emotions and cognition in humans and animals?

The speaker suggests that while animals are primarily driven by emotions, humans also possess higher cognitive abilities. Both humans and animals share similar basic emotional systems, but humans have more developed cognitive capacities.

What role do brain opioids play in emotions, according to the speaker?

Brain opioids are linked to emotions such as love and attachment. They provide a sense of security and comfort, reducing psychological pain and stress, especially in social bonding.

How does the speaker explain the differences in male and female emotions?

The speaker notes that testosterone can inhibit emotions like crying, which leads to observable differences between male and female emotional responses. For example, males may be less likely to express emotions like sadness.

What discoveries have been made about treating depression through neuroscience?

The speaker mentions that deep brain stimulation of the SEEKING system can restore enthusiasm for life in people suffering from depression. Additionally, the speaker discusses the potential of using safe opioids, such as buprenorphine, to treat depression and prevent suicide.

What is the significance of the speaker's research on the PANIC system in animals?

The PANIC system, which generates feelings of loneliness and sadness, is crucial in understanding depression. By studying how animals respond to separation distress, the speaker's research has led to potential treatments for depression and suicide prevention in humans.

What is the potential role of PLAY in identifying antidepressant treatments?

The speaker suggests that studying PLAY in animals can help identify new molecules that promote joy and social bonding. This approach has led to the development of potential antidepressants that enhance social interactions and well-being.

How does the speaker hope society will change its attitude toward animals?

The speaker hopes that by recognizing the emotional similarities between humans and animals, society will treat animals with more compassion and responsibility. Understanding animal emotions can also deepen our understanding of human emotions.