Evaluation of Neuroplastic Changes in Psychological Intervention and Contemporary Treatments of Depression

<p>Major depressive disorder is one of the most prevalent mental health disorders worldwide. There is a vast range of treatment options for depression, with varying levels of effectiveness. Recent treatments for depression have expanded, increasing alternative treatments, and it is unknown which treatments have the largest impact on depression. This research was designed to examine the treatments of depression, with a focus on psychotherapy and contemporary treatments such as ketamine, psilocybin, and transcranial magnetic stimulation. A literature review was conducted to assess treatment outcomes and neuroplastic changes in these interventions, as well as combinations of the interventions. Data were evaluated for patterns of responses in treatment modalities, neural changes, and impact on individual symptom improvement. Results indicated long-term reduction of depression in psychotherapy approaches, with the strongest evidence for change in acceptance and commitment therapy. Additionally, rapid neuroplastic changes and symptom reduction were found following ketamine, as well as longer-term, sustained improvements following psilocybin. Primary areas of change included the amygdala, anterior cingulate cortex, the default mode network, and the prefrontal cortex. In combined modalities, a combination of psilocybin and acceptance and commitment therapy showed the greatest changes in symptom reduction and neuroplastic change. The overall findings contribute to the current known research regarding depression treatments. Understanding the neuroplastic mechanisms, as well as the clinical symptom relief of these different modalities, can inform treatment approaches and reduce strain on those with depression.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Psy.D. Doctor of Clinical Psychology

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation - Public Access

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Clinical Psychology

Year dc:date.available

2026

Author dc:creator

• Severance, Taylor

Contributors dc:contributor

• Elizabeth Lane, Ph.D.
• Marcia Pita, Ph.D.

• Depression
• neuroplasticity
• psychotherapy
• ketamine
• psilocybin
• rTMS
• Alternative and Complementary Medicine
• Behavior and Behavior Mechanisms
• Biological Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Cognitive Science
• Health Psychology
• Mental Disorders
• Nervous System
• Other Chemicals and Drugs
• Other Psychiatry and Psychology
• Other Psychology
• Psychiatric and Mental Health
• Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy
• Psychological Phenomena and Processes
• Therapeutics

Repository record dc:identifier

https://digitalcommons.nl.edu/diss/974

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalcommons.nl.edu:diss-2045