The Role of Translational Neuroscience in the Evidence-Based Practice of Clinical Psychology

Abstract

Is the Information Age progressing to the Knowledge Overload Age? The presence of big data, complex systems, and vast knowledge networks can overwhelm a clinician’s capacity to sift through abundant research findings and theoretical models. Demand for economically driven evidence-based practice and the ethics of incorporating continuing education place enormous demands on clinicians that are difficult to achieve effectively, efficiently, and ethically. Translational science is a research discipline focused specifically on the production of valid and reliable uses developed from scientific research findings. In the discussions on translational science, one controversial issue has been the role translational neuroscience plays in clinical psychology. On the one hand, translational neuroscience has been argued as a research discipline bridging scientific discoveries of the brain and the creation of novel standardized psychological treatments. On the other hand, some describe translational neuroscience as the clinician’s daily use of current scientific understanding in the clinical setting. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate that clinical psychologists are actively translating neuroscience research into clinical practice and to emphasize the need for the development of tools and support structures that facilitate this process at the clinical level. This thesis focuses on a summary of the types of neuroscience research and research disciplines influencing the practice of clinical psychology, case studies demonstrating current translation of neuroscience into clinical practice and the ethical implications of this ongoing translational process of neuroscience research into the clinical setting. TRANSLATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY 3 Challenge of Clinical Practice Understanding Human Behavior A psychologist’s primary task is to actively observe and interpret human behavior via a synthesis of patient-communicated and directly observed patient responses. The integration of graduate training with professional on-the-job experience generates the expert capacity to diagnose and treat psychological disorders. This is a continual process for professionals who work their entire careers to establish and maintain a personal standard-of-care that will hold up to scrutiny from professional governing bodies. These governing bodies work to maintain broad professional effectiveness and integrity. In 2005 a mandate by the APA Council of Representatives requires psychological treatments to be supported by empirically based scientific research (American Psychological Association, 2006). The evidence-based principles have their own methodological and implementation challenges but ideally bring greater confidence to both patients and clinicians alike when considering the effectiveness of chosen treatments and treatment plans. When determining the correct diagnosis and subsequent treatment for patients, clinical psychologists draw from their professional education and experience with similar cases. At times they may seek the consultation of another professional to strengthen their confidence in their approach or to inform their method with complimentary information. With the development of global populations and interdisciplinary research discoveries the number and types of complimentary understandings are growing. A research discipline that influences psychology on nearly all levels is that of neuroscience. Baseline understandings of both the anatomical structures and functional workings of the brain are becoming a foundational part of understanding psychological phenomenon. Diagnosis and treatment effectiveness have been strongly linked to alterations in the structure and function of patients’ brains. With the continual development of neuroscientific understandings of the brain, staying abreast with the developments within the neuroscience field as well as finding practical uses for them in the clinical settings is becoming a central part of the clinical psychologist’s day. The use of evidence-based practices is necessary in all aspects of the clinician’s job with the continuation of education acting as a central component to maintaining clinical effectiveness. TRANSLATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY 4