Does Psychotherapy Have a Biological Basis?

Many studies have found that psychotherapy is as effective as psychopharmacology in terms of influencing changes in behaviors, symptoms of anxiety, and changes in mental state. Changes influenced by psychopharmacology can be explained by the biological basis of treatments. But how does psychotherapy achieve these changes? Does psychotherapy share common neuronal pathways with psychopharmacology? For this Discussion, consider whether psychotherapy also has a biological basis.

Learning Objectives

Students will:

Evaluate biological basis of psychotherapy treatments

Analyze influences of culture, religion, and socioeconomics on personal perspectives of psychotherapy treatments

To prepare:

Review this weeks Learning Resources.

Reflect on foundational concepts of psychotherapy.

Post an explanation of whether psychotherapy has a biological basis. Explain how culture, religion, and socioeconomics might influence ones perspective of the value of psychotherapy treatments. Support your rationale with evidence-based literature.

Resources for reference ( 3 reference needed).

American Nurses Association. (2014). Psychiatric-mental health nursing: Scope and standards of practice (2nd ed.). Washington, DC: Author.

• Standard 1 Assessment      (pages 44 & 45)

Wheeler, K. (Eds.). (2014). Psychotherapy for the advanced practice psychiatric nurse: A how-to guide for evidence-based practice (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Springer Publishing Company.

• Chapter 1, The Nurse Psychotherapist and a      Framework for Practice (pp. 352)