The Default Mode Network: How the Mind Wanders
JAACAP Connect September 1, 2017 DOI: 10.62414/001c.92573 (opens in new tab)
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractSophisticated brain mapping techniques such as MRI and fMRI have led to the accidental discovery of a default mode network (DMN) in the brain, which becomes active when individuals are at rest and left to think to themselves. This activity, described as mind-wandering, is involved in generating and manipulating mental images, reminiscing about past experiences based on episodic memory, and making plans.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key finding | The default mode network is activated during rest and is involved in mind-wandering, including generating mental images, reminiscing about past experiences, and making plans. |
Abstract
The advent of sophisticated brain mapping techniques (magnetic resonance imaging [MRI], functional MRI [fMRI]) has given rise to the accidental discovery of a “default mode network” (DMN) in the brain, which is activated when individuals at rest are left undisturbed to think to themselves.1 The activity associated with engagement of the DMN has been described as “mind-wandering,” and has received increasing attention in the literature.3 This rest state is involved in the “generation and manipulation of mental images, reminiscence of past experience based on episodic memory and making plans.”2(p295)