[Plasticity of brain structure and function as the neurobiological principle of psychotherapy]

The currently most important forms of psychotherapy, these are behavioral therapy and psychoanalysis, are based on theories created around the turn of the century. During that time little was known on neurobiological aspects of brain plasticity, that is regarded here as prerequisition for any long lasting change in behavior, cognition and emotions and, thus, for all real psychotherapeutic effects. In the last decades, research of structural and functional plasticity has made dramatic progresses; this research may enhance our understanding of what is feasible and what can be achieved by the various forms of psychotherapy. After considering epistemiological problems, principles of cerebral information processing, brain plasticity and analogies between brain physiology and psychoanalytical theories are discussed. The article tries to bridge the gap between neurobiology and psychotherapy.