The New Science of the Mind

In the world of psychology/psychiatry, there continues to be a vigorous debate regarding the role of Neuroscience in the understanding of mental disorders.  Recently,  Dr. Eric Kandel, one of the most renown living neuroscientists, published an op-ed discussing some newer research on how Neuroscience is helping us elucidate the etiology of depression. In addition, he discusses research demonstrating the effectiveness of psychotherapy on facilitating structural changes to the brain. The article can be found at:

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/08/opinion/sunday/the-new-science-of-mind.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

 

As with any debate, there are two sides. A good critical thinker becomes skilled at understanding the notion that there is more than one way to view anything. Other noted professionals have offered their opinions regarding Dr. Kandel’s assertions and they can be found at:

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/16/opinion/are-depressions-causes-biological.html

 While Dr. Kandel’s article touches on one of the deeper debates of our discipline (nature versus nurture) it also incorporates some very exciting topics in terms of Neuroscience’s growing influence. For example, the possibility that we can use some of the tolls of neuroscience (i.e. imaging techniques) to better diagnose disorders and identify what treatment will be most effective (evidenced based practice) will continue to move our field towards a more scientific approach to dealing with psychological disorders. In addition, it adds to a growing base of evidence demonstrating the power of neural plasticity, the brain’s ability to change in response to environmental stimuli. Finally, it reinforces a growing body of evidence that suggests psychotherapy can have biological effects on the brain as well as be an efficacious treatment for many psychological disorders.

While the final answer to some of the deeper questions referenced by Dr. Kandel and his colleagues remains elusive, what is clear is that there continues to be excited changes in the fields of psychology, psychiatry, and neuroscience, all of which should lead us to a better understanding of mental disorders and add to our toolbox effective treatments.