A 2009 review looked at 13 studies that used neuroimaging to investigate how CBT affects brain circuits and function. Researchers concluded that CBT treatment modifies the neural circuits involved in regulating fear and other negative emotions. For example, in a study on CBT for PTSD, participants who had CBT treatment showed increased brain activity in areas related to social cognition—encompassing emotions such as forgiveness and empathy. A similar study on social phobia found that CBT decreased activity in brain areas related to fear and threat. Studies on Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and panic disorder, among others, also found alterations in various parts of the brain following CBT treatment.
In other words, people’s thoughts and behaviors have the ability to change their neuro-biology, our stress and physical health are intertwined. That’s the power and mystery of the mind-body connection at work. Newport Academy credit
The MIND-BODY Connection
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