Neurosciences and psychotherapy: summary of the most important contributions to the panel discussion

Abstract

Research into interactive psychological processes by neuroscientists is still in its infancy. Neuroscience and psychotherapeutic science represent different approaches to human nature, as well as different cognitive-theoretical positions. A mutually acceptable language and suitable experiments are currently being developed. It is hoped that within the next 30 years it will be possible to make basic statements relating to neuronal processes in the sphere of psychotherapy. The findings relating to vulnerable phases in a person's psychological development are generally accepted. The significance of early-childhood experiences for a person's later development was confirmed by the scientists present.

Brain research scientists have not yet been able to study hypotheses on gender-specific differences to a sufficient degree. It is widely accepted that women are superior to men in various language-related skills, although no scientifically based explanations exist to date. In dreams, experiences are processed and selected, and the information perceived to be valuable is stored.

In adulthood, achieving changes at an emotional level is only possible by means of lengthy, intensive processes. Psychotherapists hope that through joint research projects with neurobiologists they will be able to acquire further knowledge on symptoms and impulses for developing therapies