The default-mode, ego-functions and free-energy: a neurobiological account of Freudian ideas
This theory-building paper (2010) attempts to provide models of neural substrates for a variety of Freudian hypothetical constructs.
Authors
- Robin Carhart-Harris
- Karl John Friston
Published
Abstract
This article explores the notion that Freudian constructs may have neurobiological substrates. Specifically, we propose that Freud’s descriptions of the primary and secondary processes are consistent with self-organized activity in hierarchical cortical systems and that his descriptions of the ego are consistent with the functions of the default-mode and its reciprocal exchanges with subordinate brain systems. This neurobiological account rests on a view of the brain as a hierarchical inference or Helmholtz machine. In this view, large-scale intrinsic networks occupy supraordinate levels of hierarchical brain systems that try to optimize their representation of the sensorium. This optimization has been formulated as minimizing a free-energy; a process that is formally similar to the treatment of energy in Freudian formulations. We substantiate this synthesis by showing that Freud’s descriptions of the primary process are consistent with the phenomenology and neurophysiology of rapid eye movement sleep, the early and acute psychotic state, the aura of temporal lobe epilepsy and hallucinogenic drug states.
Research Summary of 'The default-mode, ego-functions and free-energy: a neurobiological account of Freudian ideas'
Introduction
Carhart-Harris and Friston revisit core Freudian distinctions—primarily the primary and secondary processes, and the functions of the ego—in light of contemporary systems neuroscience. They note Freud's early grounding in neuroanatomy and argue that modern notions of hierarchical inference, predictive coding and the free-energy principle provide a tractable framework for mapping psychoanalytic constructs onto neurobiology. The authors propose that large-scale intrinsic brain networks occupying the top levels of a cortical hierarchy correspond to the secondary process (ego-functions) while more anarchic, limbic-driven activity corresponds to the primary process (id). The paper sets out to synthesise evidence from neuroimaging, electrophysiology, psychopharmacology, clinical neurology and developmental studies to support this mapping. Specifically, the investigators aim to show correspondences between (i) the default-mode network (DMN) and ego/secondary-process functions, and (ii) non-ordinary states of consciousness (REM sleep, acute psychosis, temporal-lobe aura, hallucinogenic drug states) and primary-process phenomenology and neurophysiology. They also outline how the Helmholtzian conception of the brain as an inference machine that minimises free-energy (prediction-error) can formalise Freud's older ideas about the regulation and binding of psychic energy. Because this is a theoretical and integrative article rather than a report of new empirical data, the authors emphasise that their goal is to show consistency and points of contact between Freudian theory and current models of global brain function, and to suggest empirical tests and clinical implications that follow from this synthesis.
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Study Details
- Study Typeindividual
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- APA Citation
Carhart-Harris, R. L., & Friston, K. J. (2010). The default-mode, ego-functions and free-energy: a neurobiological account of Freudian ideas. Brain, 133(4), 1265-1283. https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awq010
References (3)
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Vollenweider, F. X., Leenders, K. L., Maguire, P. et al. · Neuropsychopharmacology (1997)
Wittmann, M., Hasler, F., Vollenweider, F. X. · Neuroscience Letters (2008)
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