[extropy-chat] Wireheading

[Alex Ramonsky]

Anders Sandberg wrote:

> do you think your anhedonia was due
>to dopaminergic receptor changes or just regression towards the mean?
>
There was a bit too much 'teeter-totter' for it to be an homeostasis 
attempt -I actually got physical motor problems too for the first couple 
days. After that everything was just 'flat' -there was no depression, 
but no inspiration either -an advert for the local window cleaner was 
just as interesting as New Scientist magazine or a good novel. I ate the 
entire contents of my fridge based on 'best-before' dates as I had no 
idea what I'd prefer to eat, and couldn't find any aesthetic difference 
between Mozart, Mendelsohn or Marilyn Manson.

>I have the feeling that preventing downregulation or upregulation would be
>pretty pharmacologically useful, anybody know how well we have learned to
>control such functions?
>
>  
>
Well if 'we' means 'the scientific community' I have no idea. If 'we' 
means the neurohackers community there are various approaches including 
using biofeedback, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and 'pacing' [you 
take serotonin on the way up, for a slower takeoff and softer landing]. 
A lot seems to depend on sleep regulation too. Ha! Discipline!  :  )
Best,
AR
************