Psychotherapy: Does it Increase IQ?
Psychotherapy is an important part of overall mental health and wellness, and there is strong evidence to suggest that it can have a positive impact on cognitive functioning and IQ. Many studies have been conducted to examine the effects of psychotherapy on IQ, and the findings are generally quite positive.
At its core, psychotherapy is a form of psychological intervention that is designed to help an individual work through any psychological issues they may be experiencing. It can involve a variety of techniques, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and interpersonal therapy. The goal of psychotherapy is to help an individual gain insight into their mental health and develop strategies for managing their thoughts and emotions.
One of the primary benefits of psychotherapy is that it can help an individual improve their cognitive functioning. This is due to the fact that psychotherapy helps an individual to understand their thoughts and feelings, which can help them to better regulate their emotions and increase their ability to focus and concentrate. There is also evidence to suggest that psychotherapy can help an individual to learn new skills and strategies, which can have a positive impact on cognitive functioning.
When it comes to IQ, there is some evidence to suggest that psychotherapy can have a positive impact. A review of the literature conducted in 2020 found that there is a tendency for IQ to rise during the time of treatment, and that these gains are often maintained or improved upon after treatment. Further, among those who failed to gain or lost in IQ during treatment, more than half do gain by the time of follow-up.
The exact mechanism by which psychotherapy can increase IQ is not yet fully understood. It is likely that there is a combination of factors at play, such as improved emotional regulation, better problem-solving skills, and greater self-awareness. All of these factors can have a positive impact on an individual’s cognitive functioning and IQ.
There is also evidence to suggest that psychotherapy can be effective for individuals with certain forms of cognitive impairment. For example, a study conducted in 2018 found that psychodynamic therapy was effective in improving cognitive functioning and IQ in individuals with mild cognitive impairment.
The bottom line is that there is strong evidence to suggest that psychotherapy can have a positive impact on IQ. While the exact mechanism by which this occurs is not yet fully understood, it is likely that a combination of factors is at play. If you are looking to improve your cognitive functioning, it may be worth considering psychotherapy as a potential therapeutic option.
