G O Gabbard1. 1. Karl Menninger School of Psychiatry, Topeka, KS, USA. gabbargo@menninger.edu
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Polarisation of biological and psychosocial aspects of psychiatry has promoted a form of Cartesian dualism. Current knowledge of the interaction between biology and psychology makes it possible to consider a truly integrative approach to treatment. AIMS: The aim of this overview is to consider conceptual models of how psychotherapy may affect the brain. METHOD: The literature discussing the mutual influence of genes and environment is surveyed. Relevant data involving the influence of psychotherapy on the brain are also reviewed. RESULTS: Research findings suggest that the brain responds to environmental influence through the alteration of gene expression; that psychotherapy has specific measurable effects on the brain; and that implicit memory may be modified by psychotherapeutic interventions. CONCLUSIONS: Advances in neuroscience research have led to a more sophisticated understanding of how psychotherapy may affect brain functioning. These developments point the way towards a new era of psychotherapy research and practice in which specific modes of psychotherapy can be designed to target specific sites of brain functioning.
BACKGROUND: Polarisation of biological and psychosocial aspects of psychiatry has promoted a form of Cartesian dualism. Current knowledge of the interaction between biology and psychology makes it possible to consider a truly integrative approach to treatment. AIMS: The aim of this overview is to consider conceptual models of how psychotherapy may affect the brain. METHOD: The literature discussing the mutual influence of genes and environment is surveyed. Relevant data involving the influence of psychotherapy on the brain are also reviewed. RESULTS: Research findings suggest that the brain responds to environmental influence through the alteration of gene expression; that psychotherapy has specific measurable effects on the brain; and that implicit memory may be modified by psychotherapeutic interventions. CONCLUSIONS: Advances in neuroscience research have led to a more sophisticated understanding of how psychotherapy may affect brain functioning. These developments point the way towards a new era of psychotherapy research and practice in which specific modes of psychotherapy can be designed to target specific sites of brain functioning.
Authors: Heinz Boeker; André Richter; Holger Himmighoffen; Jutta Ernst; Laura Bohleber; Elena Hofmann; Johannes Vetter; Georg Northoff Journal: Front Hum Neurosci Date: 2013-08-02 Impact factor: 3.169