A groundbreaking study published in Translational Psychiatry has revealed that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can alter brain structure and boost gray matter volume, providing a new perspective on the treatment of depression. Researchers at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg and the University of Münster analyzed the brains of 30 patients suffering from acute depression before and after 20 sessions of CBT.
The study found significant changes in areas responsible for processing emotions, such as the anterior hippocampus and amygdala. These brain regions are primarily involved in emotional regulation and control. The results show that individuals who underwent CBT demonstrated a greater increase in gray matter in these areas, which was correlated with improved emotional dysregulation.
The study’s lead author, Professor Ronny Redlich, notes that while medication and electrostimulation have already shown similar effects, this research provides the first direct evidence of psychotherapy’s impact on brain structure. However, Redlich emphasizes that CBT is not a replacement for other treatments but rather an effective alternative for certain individuals.
The findings suggest that psychotherapy can lead to measurable changes in brain structure, providing new insights into its mechanisms and potential benefits. With around 280 million people worldwide suffering from severe depression, this research offers hope for improved treatment options and more personalized care.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-cognitive-behavioral-therapy-brain-boost.html