The kindling effect was first discovered when research was done on epilepsy and is used to describe some forms of epilepsy that get more severe over time. While epilepsy is caused by different processes in the brain than bipolar disorder is, the kindling effect can apply to them. Bipolar episodes are initially triggered by stressors, but over time they happen even without the triggers because the brain becomes “kindled” or sensitized. Oliver explains that the term kindling comes from the kindling needed in fire building. The log by itself is nearly impossible to light, however, when the log is surrounded by small, east-to-light pieces of wood or “kindling” it ignites quickly.
Another theory explains, “What fires together, wires together.” This …show more content…
Each time the trigger occurs and the neurons fire, the mania worsens. Eventually, there doesn’t even need to be a stressor or trigger for the neurons to fire and the pathway becomes hardwired. In the end, the condition may no longer be treatable. Mohilner, who herself has struggled with bipolar disorder, emphasizes that, because of this hardwiring, early detection is vital.
Using this same theory, interventions can become hardwired over time to manage depressive and manic episodes. At first the intervention is difficult; it requires focused attention to get a new pathway of neurons to fire. Over time, and with consistent practice, this new pathway of firing neurons begins to wire together, and ultimately, the neurons will fire without the focused attention. Mohilner, overcoming bipolar disorder by a treatment of Lithium and practiced intervention herself, explains, “Intervention is a habit in my brain. It still takes effort, but nowhere near as much effort as it did years ago.
I believe the “kindling effect” and “neurons that fire together, wire together” theories can be applied to other mental health disorders. Anytime an intervention or new behavior is initiated, a new pathway of neurons fires up and eventually becomes hardwired. Helping clients find the motivation to consistently practice these interventions is a key and vital part of
Another theory explains, “What fires together, wires together.” This …show more content…
Each time the trigger occurs and the neurons fire, the mania worsens. Eventually, there doesn’t even need to be a stressor or trigger for the neurons to fire and the pathway becomes hardwired. In the end, the condition may no longer be treatable. Mohilner, who herself has struggled with bipolar disorder, emphasizes that, because of this hardwiring, early detection is vital.
Using this same theory, interventions can become hardwired over time to manage depressive and manic episodes. At first the intervention is difficult; it requires focused attention to get a new pathway of neurons to fire. Over time, and with consistent practice, this new pathway of firing neurons begins to wire together, and ultimately, the neurons will fire without the focused attention. Mohilner, overcoming bipolar disorder by a treatment of Lithium and practiced intervention herself, explains, “Intervention is a habit in my brain. It still takes effort, but nowhere near as much effort as it did years ago.
I believe the “kindling effect” and “neurons that fire together, wire together” theories can be applied to other mental health disorders. Anytime an intervention or new behavior is initiated, a new pathway of neurons fires up and eventually becomes hardwired. Helping clients find the motivation to consistently practice these interventions is a key and vital part of