Neural network modeling of psychoanalytic concepts
Techniques used over decades in brain-based neural network modeling are applied to understanding processes involved in psychoanalysis. Behavioral change is interpreted as a transition, using simulated annealing, from a less to a more optimal attractor in a competitive-cooperative dynamical system th...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Frontiers Media S.A.
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience |
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| Online Access: | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnsys.2025.1585619/full |
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| author | Daniel S. Levine Ana Maria C. Aleksandrowicz Ana Luiza S. Verissimo Lopes |
| author_facet | Daniel S. Levine Ana Maria C. Aleksandrowicz Ana Luiza S. Verissimo Lopes |
| author_sort | Daniel S. Levine |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Techniques used over decades in brain-based neural network modeling are applied to understanding processes involved in psychoanalysis. Behavioral change is interpreted as a transition, using simulated annealing, from a less to a more optimal attractor in a competitive-cooperative dynamical system that includes analogs of the amygdala, prefrontal cortex, and hypothalamus, and the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. The article explores how psychoanalysis can facilitate the quest for the life that is as meaningful as possible. The resulting network theory allows for new understanding of several traditional Freudian concepts. The theory provides insights about the life and death drives. It also helps us understand object and narcissistic libido, and the contrast of healthy forms of libido based on autonomy vs. unhealthy forms based on dependence. This inquiry relates to the balance between self-interest and empathy, mediated by various areas of the limbic system. It illuminates transference, which involves both an emotional and intellectual relationship between the analyst and analysand, mediated by cognitive-emotional interactions in amygdala and orbitofrontal cortex. Sublimation, or redirection of socially inappropriate urges toward more appropriate behaviors, is interpreted via lateral inhibition between representations of similar complex behaviors. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-0d0ee447549c4e49842c1e87f00a916a |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 1662-5137 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | Frontiers Media S.A. |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience |
| spelling | doaj-art-0d0ee447549c4e49842c1e87f00a916a2025-08-20T03:15:20ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience1662-51372025-07-011910.3389/fnsys.2025.15856191585619Neural network modeling of psychoanalytic conceptsDaniel S. Levine0Ana Maria C. Aleksandrowicz1Ana Luiza S. Verissimo Lopes2Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Arlington, TX, United StatesFIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, BrazilUNIRIO, Rio de Janeiro, BrazilTechniques used over decades in brain-based neural network modeling are applied to understanding processes involved in psychoanalysis. Behavioral change is interpreted as a transition, using simulated annealing, from a less to a more optimal attractor in a competitive-cooperative dynamical system that includes analogs of the amygdala, prefrontal cortex, and hypothalamus, and the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. The article explores how psychoanalysis can facilitate the quest for the life that is as meaningful as possible. The resulting network theory allows for new understanding of several traditional Freudian concepts. The theory provides insights about the life and death drives. It also helps us understand object and narcissistic libido, and the contrast of healthy forms of libido based on autonomy vs. unhealthy forms based on dependence. This inquiry relates to the balance between self-interest and empathy, mediated by various areas of the limbic system. It illuminates transference, which involves both an emotional and intellectual relationship between the analyst and analysand, mediated by cognitive-emotional interactions in amygdala and orbitofrontal cortex. Sublimation, or redirection of socially inappropriate urges toward more appropriate behaviors, is interpreted via lateral inhibition between representations of similar complex behaviors.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnsys.2025.1585619/fullneural networkspsychoanalysisbrainegoprefrontal cortexamygdala |
| spellingShingle | Daniel S. Levine Ana Maria C. Aleksandrowicz Ana Luiza S. Verissimo Lopes Neural network modeling of psychoanalytic concepts Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience neural networks psychoanalysis brain ego prefrontal cortex amygdala |
| title | Neural network modeling of psychoanalytic concepts |
| title_full | Neural network modeling of psychoanalytic concepts |
| title_fullStr | Neural network modeling of psychoanalytic concepts |
| title_full_unstemmed | Neural network modeling of psychoanalytic concepts |
| title_short | Neural network modeling of psychoanalytic concepts |
| title_sort | neural network modeling of psychoanalytic concepts |
| topic | neural networks psychoanalysis brain ego prefrontal cortex amygdala |
| url | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnsys.2025.1585619/full |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT danielslevine neuralnetworkmodelingofpsychoanalyticconcepts AT anamariacaleksandrowicz neuralnetworkmodelingofpsychoanalyticconcepts AT analuizasverissimolopes neuralnetworkmodelingofpsychoanalyticconcepts |