Fresh paradigms in psychotherapy for psychiatrists

Abstract

The recent expansion of neuroscientific knowledge is changing the nature of psychotherapeutically competent psychiatric practice. For example, components of medical psychotherapy that optimise neuroplasticity and restructure and reinforce synaptic connections can bring about enduring therapeutic changes in patients' personal functioning, experience and behaviour. By renewing their connection to the advancements of neuroscience, psychiatrists in all specialties can build their identities as professionals and their skills as practitioners, making psychotherapeutic interventions more effective for their patients. © 2011 The Royal College of Psychiatrists.