Posted on 07/29/2005 10:50:15 AM PDT by restornu
Recently I have been trying to learn the relationship between the brain and the mind, and between the mind and the spirit. I have found your articles very interesting.
My main interest is this: If our brain controls our mind and the brain is controlled by electrical and neurochemical actions, just how much free agency do we really have?
Are we totally responsible for our actions?
As an example, about a year ago I was awakening at night, wet with sweat, my heart pounding. I knew these were symptoms of a panic attack, yet I thought they should be brought under control. They were so extreme that I feared they might do some harm.
My doctor suggested that I try a SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) and started me on Zoloft.
Not only did the panic attacks stop, but my wife felt the biggest improvement was in my personality. I also admit that my life is now much better and enjoyable not only to me, but to those with whom I associate.
Who is responsible for my change to becoming a better person? My spirit and mind, or the SSRI?
I asked Dr. Hammer, author of The God Gene, if we were born with a fixed set of genes, are we or the genes responsible for our actions?
He was kind enough to reply to my letter. His answer more or less was that...
we are born with a certain set of genes, but these genes only create a tendency to act or be a certain way.
We still have our free agency. It is the genes that make it possible for the brain to process our thoughts.
While my wife and I were serving a mission at Cove Fort, I had the opportunity to meet Dr. Dave Biegler from BYU. He explained to me how much more they are now learning about the brain because of all the new advances in brain imaging. This was several years ago.
This was a personal letter so I edit just for the focus of the topic!
Some of you might like to share your knowledge or experience with SSRI(selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor)the pros and cons in some cases a very necessary.
I know there are extream reports but that is blimp compared to amount of folks using this aid!
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