Helmholtz Lecture Herta Flor, December 8: A Mechanism-based approach to mental disorder: the role of learning and memory

Helmholtz lecture Herta Flor (Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany)

Title: A Mechanism-based approach to mental disorder: the role of learning and 
memory

Abstract: Learning and memory processes are important determinants of the development of mental disorders. We use chronic pain as an example to show that aversive and appetitive respondent as well as operant conditioning processes differentially predict the development and maintenance of chronic pain.  Chronic pain is characterized by a shift from nociceptive brain circuits to those involved in emotional learning. In posttraumatic stress disorder a dissociation between cued and contextual learning is important. Treatments must target these learning processes and the related changes in brain circuits and must be tailored to the specific learning mechanisms. Novel treatments focus on the modification of central changes via ecological momentary interventions, neurofeedback and behavioral extinction retraining. Virtual reality applications, neurostimulation approaches and combinations of behavioral interventions with pharmacological enhancers of plasticity such as cannabinoids may also be useful. 

Location: Ruppert building room Red (Rood), Leuvenlaan 21 3584 CE Utrecht

Helmholtz Lectures take place from 4 to 5pm, with drinks afterwards next to the lecture room. Lectures are hybrid and streamed live via Teams. Note that streaming and recording the lectures are an additional service and this cannot be guaranteed. Recordings can be found here: https://video.uu.nl/channels/#helmholtz

If you wish to attend the lecture online, please send an email to helmholtz@uu.nl

Helmholtz agenda: https://helmholtzschool.nl/category/agenda/

Follow us on Twitter: @HelmholtzSchool (https://twitter.com/HelmholtzSchool)