Between Neuropsychology and Gestalt: Study hypothesis with psychotic patients in the perspective of an integrated methodology

Abstract

The hypothesis of integrating the Gestalt methodology with cognitive stimulation techniques arose from clinical observation compared with the results of neuropsychological tests in patients diagnosed with psychosis between the ages of 35 and 60. The aim of the integrated intervention aims to combine the stimulation in particular of the frontal and prefrontal functions involved in the hypofrontality typical of the functioning of this pathology in order to promote better social integration by mitigating the symptoms and the use of drugs where possible. In particular, intervene on the control of intrusive thoughts, on cognitive flexibility and on attentional skills. The intervention methodology is similar to the principles of Gestalt psychology, bringing the patient back to the here and now of the relationship and using the therapeutic relationship as a secure base to remodulate the sensation of being in the world. It is essential to identify the environmental and genetic factors that characterized the patient's growth. Therefore the research team has structured a protocol in which the relationship between cognitive stimulation and therapeutic relationship, through the shared brain principle, tends to neuroanatomically modulate the patient's brain, resulting in actual improvements.