NRNP 6640 week 1 Discussion
There are different areas of the brain that change/shift related to stress thereby causing anxiety and depression that often lead to episodes of psychosis. If stress can have such a profound effect on neuronal processes in the brain, then psychotherapy should be able to reverse these effects as well when used appropriately. Fournier and Price (2014) noted that psychotherapy appears to alter the functions of the regions of the brain associated with negative emotions, emotional regulation, fear and reward. Psychotherapy allows the clinician to delve into the root of the issue and allows the patient an opportunity to work through the stressors that are causing the imbalance in brain function. Psychotherapy can be used to treat the underlying cause of the psychosis and not the symptoms associated with the illness. Holttum (2014) suggests that people can benefit from positive human support and the connection it provides to allow the individual to come to terms with what has happened to them which allows them the opportunity to move forward with their recovery process. The stigma of having a mental illness and one’s cultural and spiritual beliefs may prevent them from getting the help they need because some cultures don’t believe in discussing their personal business with strangers. Psychotherapy may be beneficial in some cultures that do not believe in taking medications. Socioeconomics play a vital role in the ability to obtain mental health services because of the lack of available services in certain communities. Holttum (2014) cites Roberts and Boardman (2014) in that poverty, living conditions and work are central to everyone’s mental well-being. NRNP 6640 week 1 Discussion
Holttum, S. (2014), “When bad things happen our brain change but psychotherapy and support can help the recovery of our brains and our lives”, Mental Health and Social Inclusion, Vol.18, No. 2, pp. 52-58
Fournier, PhD, J. C. and Price, PhD, R. (2014), “Psychotherapy and Neuroimaging”, Focus (Am. Psychiatric Publication, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.1176%2Fappi.focus.12.3.290
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.
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Post an explanation of whether psychotherapy has a biological basis. Explain how culture, religion, and socioeconomics might influence one’s perspective of the value of psychotherapy treatments. Support your rationale with evidence-based literature.
sample response