A neurobiologically informed perspective on psychotherapy

Br J Psychiatry. 2000 Aug:177:117-22. doi: 10.1192/bjp.177.2.117.

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain / physiology*
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Environment
  • Gene Expression*
  • Humans
  • Memory
  • Neurobiology
  • Psychotherapy / methods*
  • Psychotropic Drugs / therapeutic use
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Psychotropic Drugs