ikillhim

I would also like to thank you for this AMA, Dr. Merzenich. I'm also interested in neuroplasticity and the brain in general. I have degrees in physics and computer science. But my desire is to get into neuroscience and dedicate my career to understand this absolutely fascinating and perplexing physical system. The plan is to do a degree in bioinformatics, as that is immediately within my reach, then edge myself into neuroscience from that angle somehow.

My question to you is, with this in mind, what resources would you recommend to get a more complete understanding of neuroscience? Especially with regards to neuroplasticity, since this seems to be so key. Would you recommend reading up heavily on biochemistry and work my way up to molecular biology/neuroscience? Or would you recommend going the medicine/biology route through neurology? Is there one or two key books I could read (regarding neuroplasticity)?

I ask since I'm trying to read up on all this, but it takes soo much time, and I don't want to waste it on things that are irrelevant. My goal is to get a deeper understanding of the nervous system, as effectively and with as much enjoyment as possible.

You mentioned that you have used your research to provide benefits in adults with psychiatric illnesses. You also claim that some psychiatric illnesses are "natural change progressions". So, I want to know your personal opinion on how far you think neuroplasticity based therapy can go. Do you think it will be able to be used in place of some psychiatric medications, for instance? If so, in which conditions would you say that is most likely to happen? For which particular illnesses do you believe neuroplasticity has the most to offer? In particular, I would like to know what you think regarding the most common conditions, such as depression, anxiety, ADHD and bipolar disorder.