Neurobiology of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (Biological Basis of CBT) Brain changes noted in CBT

Neurobiology of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (Biological Basis of CBT) Brain changes noted in CBT

Many mental health professionals held the unfortunate dichotomized position that psychotherapy is a treatment for “psychological” in nature, while medication is for “biological” in nature for psychiatric disorders.

However, it has become clear that all mental processes drive from mechanisms of the brain. This means that any change in our psychologically processes is reflected by changes in the functions or structures of the brain

The advent of functional neuro-imaging, including photon emission CT (SPECT), positron emission topography, and functional MRI, has made it possible to study changes at the brain systems level (by measuring changes in the brain blood flow or metabolism) associated with cognitive behavior changes. This video will shed light on the biological basis of CBT reviewing the evidence from various studies such as functional neuroimaging, immunological studies, genetic studies and so forth.

Any change in our psychologically processes is reflected by changes in the functions or structures of the brain, this clearly reveals that a “psychological” intervention can have a strong biological basis. For decades professionals believed that CBT resulted only in changing thought patterns but now, this is true, but the untold story is about the neurobiology (neuronal plasticity) of psychotherapy is becoming evident.

Research are documenting that significant changes were noted pre- and post-CBT in blood flow to the brain clearly revealing that CBT is a potent biological intervention.

A considerable heterogeneity exists with regard to study neuro-imaging study designs, selection of patients, duration of illness, adapted CBT type and intensity, and employed neuroimaging paradigms, all of which may partly explain the difference in studies’ outcomes. The lack of randomization and effective controls in most of them makes it difficult to draw formal conclusion whether the observed effects are CBT mediated or due to spontaneous recovery. Despite the observed inconsistencies and dearth of data, CBT appears to exert its influences by bringing in neuronal plasticity in patients. This is completely changing how we view how talk therapies help individuals.