Psychotherapy and Genetic Neuroscience: An Emerging Dialog

Abstract

Recent research in psychiatric genetics has led to a move away from simple diathesis-stress models to more complex models of psychopathology incorporating a focus on gene–environment interactions and epigenetics. Our increased understanding of the way biology encodes the impact of life events on organisms has also generated more sophisticated theoretical models concerning the molecular processes at the interface between “nature” and “nurture.” There is also increasing consensus that psychotherapy entails a specific type of learning in the context of an emotional relationship (i.e., the therapeutic relationship) that may also lead to epigenetic modifications across different therapeutic treatment modalities. This paper provides a systematic review of this emerging body of research. It is concluded that, although the evidence is still limited at this stage, extant research does indeed suggest that psychotherapy may be associated with epigenetic changes. Furthermore, it is argued that epigenetic studies may play a key role in the identification of biomarkers implicated in vulnerability for psychopathology, and thus may improve diagnosis and open up future research opportunities regarding the mechanism of action of psychotropic drugs as well as psychotherapy. We review evidence suggesting there may be important individual differences in susceptibility to environmental input, including psychotherapy. In addition, given that there is increasing evidence for the transgenerational transmission of epigenetic modifications in animals and humans exposed to trauma and adversity, epigenetic changes produced by psychotherapy may also potentially be passed on to the next generation, which opens up new perspective for prevention science. We conclude this paper stressing the limitations of current research and by proposing a set of recommendations for future research in this area.

Sintomatologia depresiva y bienestar psicológico en estudiantes universitarios chilenos

“…Sin embargo, los resultados de esta investigación son limitados en tanto la muestra no es representativa de la población general, las características del universo estudiado son variadas y complejas, por lo que los resultados obtenidos deben ser comprendidos en base al modelo teórico planteado y complementados con nuevos estudios que aborden la asociación entre ambos fenómenos en diversos contextos universitarios. Variables como trauma temprano, presencia de estresores recientes, estilos de personalidad y marcadores neurogenéticos 47 , serán incorporadas en futuras publicaciones producto de esta investigación en un intento por avanzar en la comprensión de los complejos mecanismos involucrados en el proceso de salud y enfermedad mental.…”

Neuroscience of Object Relations in Health and Disorder: A Proposal for an Integrative Model

“…determining how to promote transgenerational transmission of epigenetic modifications produced by psychotherapy, which opens up new perspectives for prevention science (Jimenez et al, 2018 );…”

“…(iii) determining how to integrate other modifying influences to enhance mental health or ameliorate psychopathology, notably hormonal [(e.g., oxytocin (Heinrichs and Domes, 2008)] and epigenetic approaches [e.g., enriched environments (Veena et al, 2008)]; (iv) determining how to promote transgenerational transmission of epigenetic modifications produced by psychotherapy, which opens up new perspectives for prevention science (Jimenez et al, 2018); (v) determining the optimal ratio of transtheoretical psychotherapy methods to promote integration of partial object relations (the main goal) while at the same time addressing the remaining compensatory phenomenology and behaviors (integrated object relations are expected to reduce the need for such compensation, but some pathological habits may persist as hardwired schemas, as discussed). Based on available evidence, such multifocal approach (Prochaska and Norcross, 2009) should, at the minimum, include CBT, psychodynamic, relational, interpersonal and experiential methods.…”

Schema therapy versus cognitive behavioral therapy versus individual supportive therapy for depression in an inpatient and day clinic setting: study protocol of the OPTIMA-RCT

“…Gene-environment-interactions such as the role of trauma exposure have been discussed to shed a light to the genetics of MDD [ 165 ]. Even though, there is an emerging body of research extending these gene-environment-interactions to learning-contexts of psychotherapy [ 166 ], so far there are no satisfying validated biological parameters to assist in the decision-making process regarding the best treatment option for patients suffering from MDD. Studies aiming to integrate underlying pathomechanisms in this process have been designed [ 167 ].…”