Neurobiological Treatment

Neurobiological treatment is a therapy for disorders, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, and bipolar disorder, based on the physical and chemical makeup of the brain. Neurobiology is the study of how the brain works, and neurobiological treatments use medications and/or cognitive therapies tailored to an individual's specific needs, in order to correct imbalances or deficiencies in the brain. Neurobiological treatments aim to correct “faulty” neural pathways, or connections between neurons in order to reduce the symptoms of a mental disorder. Neurobiological treatments generally involve a combination of several conditions: an understanding of the patient’s biological trautma history; the individual's family, social, and environmental context; the individual's personilized neurobiological makeup, and; cognitive behavioral therapies. Neurobiological treatments often focus on the transmission of signals within the brain from one neuron to another, in order to improve the mental state of the patient. Medication is often used in neurobiological treatments. For example, antidepressant and antipsychotic medication might be prescribed for individuals with depression or anxiety. Antipsychotics can help balance serotonin, dopamine, and other neurotransmitters in the brain, while antidepressants can also help reduce the symptoms of depression. Other drugs may be prescribed to help reduce the symptoms associated with mental health disorders, such as mania or psychosis. Cognitive behavioral treatments are also often used in neurobiological treatments. These therapies involve learning coping strategies to manage emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, as well as learning more efficient ways to regulate emotions and reduce stress. This may include relaxation techniques, problem-solving skills, and techniques to help understand and manage one’s emotions. Neurobiological therapies are highly individualized, and thus treatment must be tailored to each person’s particular history, needs, and genetic make-up. It is important to find a treatment plan that is both effective and acceptable to the individual, as well as to create supportive relationships with others who are involved in the individual’s treatment. It is also important to remember that, while these treatments can help improve symptoms, there is no “cure” for mental illness, and so it is important to continue treatment even after symptoms have improved.