Better Than Drugs?

Following up on my previous post, it appears there is some new evidence connecting the benefits of psychotherapy with physiological changes in brain function. The study focused on a particular form of psychotherapy called cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Prior studies by CBT pioneer Aaron Beck have shown CBT to be as effective as medication for anxiety and depression, and can be even more effective when combined with medication. Rational-behavior therapy (mentioned in my previous post) is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Nobel prize-winning neuroscientist Eric Kandel puts these findings on his list of the top four recent advances in neuroscience, in a recent article for Edge. Thanks to Mind Hacks for bringing this to my attention.