A voluntary action triggered by a visual perception reveals three fundamental characteristics of that perception: it is conscious, self-conscious, and has content. These are implemented by three distinct higher-order properties of brain dynamics. This leads to a physicalist naturalist solution to the mind-body problem: primary phenomenal consciousness is not a non-physical substance or property but the format the brain gives to part of its dynamics to achieve fine-tuning with the environment during bodily action.
A systematic review of electroencephalographic (EEG) correlates of mindfulness-based treatment for chronic pain found the topic still largely unexplored. From 131 initial papers, only 4 met inclusion criteria. Pain-related evoked potentials correlate with mindfulness-based treatment. EEG source analysis showed involvement of brain regions that modulate emotional responses. Higher baseline theta power was associated with greater improvement in depression when mindfulness-based treatments are given, suggesting EEG might help identify patients who benefit most.
Among patients in a vegetative state (VS) treated at two long-term care facilities in Lombardy starting in 2014, non-traumatic cerebral hemorrhage was the most common cause (41%), followed by traumatic brain injury (19%) and anoxic brain injury (17%). Cumulative mortality after the event causing VS was 10% at 1 year, 24% at 2 years, 43% at 5 years, 69% at 10 years, and 88% at 15 years, with older age and ischemic stroke increasing risk. Among 24 caregivers, 50% had scores recommending psychological support, 33% strongly recommended support, and 13% urgent need. Female caregivers reported worse mental health than males.
About 12% of dreams reported by people with Parkinson's disease are observer dreams, where the dreamer watches without participating. This rate matches that seen in younger populations. The frequency of such dreams is lower in patients with worse motor function, especially bradykinesia, suggesting a link between dream content and the brain circuits affected by neurodegeneration.
Stoic philosophy shares multiple parallels with cognitive behavioural therapy interventions. The Roman Stoics presented theoretical principles and behavioral strategies relevant to clinical care for neuropsychiatric conditions. Mindfulness, a key component of modern psychotherapy, resembles the ancient Stoic practice of attention or concentration on the present moment. Both Stoicism and modern psychotherapy assume that cognitive activity (reasoning) mediates emotions and behaviors, a principle traceable to Epictetus' Enchiridion. Cognitive behavioural therapies and mindfulness-based interventions for neuropsychiatric disorders were originally developed as Stoic-inspired treatments. Albert Ellis and Aaron Beck explicitly acknowledged Stoicism as the philosophical precursor of their approaches. Awareness of Stoic tradition could improve implementation of evidence-based guidelines in neuropsychiatry.