Have you already tossed the New Year’s resolutions? Whether these went into the trash basket at your feet or the one in your head, scientists now understand why big changes are hard for individuals.

Below you will find an excerpt from an ABC-Medpage Today story about why change can be hard—the brain’s wiring works against change.

This is one of a new monthly series titled, “Doctor’s Orders.”

So, if you are determined to change your weight or any other habit which may harm you—or at least, not help—how do you improve your odds of being successful?

Below is an excerpt from the story about how psychotherapy is the key to making changes that last.

If you want to find a psychotherapist to help you assess the change you want to make and how to do that, check carefully. You want to see a therapist who has had success with other patients in making major health changes.

Ask around. Patients who have done well talk.

Ask the clinicians themselves how often they have worked with patients who share your change goals.

Among M.D’s, there are super-specialists, triple-boarded in neurology, psychiatry and psycho-pharmacology.  Some do medication management only. Some do therapy and medication management, too.

While results are what counts most, this is the group whose specialists may be most likely to be most current in this emerging field.

However, there are not that many of these super-specialists among the total therapists available.

Your bottom line: You want to find a therapist whose patients say that they were able to make a change and make it last.

This collaboration between Medpage Today and ABC will be one to follow closely.

Watch out, chocolate. Beware, cigarettes.  Let’s see the number on that scale today.

Medpage Today/ABC News

…”Researchers agree that psychotherapy is key to regaining self-control, and it’s the predominant treatment used in patients with addictive behaviors.

“Mark Smaller, PhD, a psychoanalyst in private practice in Chicago, said psychotherapy often reveals an underlying cause for an addiction or compulsive behavior. Usually, it’s anxiety or depression. (Emphasis added)

“Acknowledging those problems may help change behaviors. Once they’re realized, a patient can start working against them, with the help of the brain’s own neuroplasticity. Essentially, neurons can disconnect and reconnect, or loosen their connections and tighten them, which often manifests in noticeable change. (Emphasis added)

“[Psychological] insights can actually begin to change brain chemistry and diffuse compulsions,” he said. “If you address those issues, you can have a positive impact on your life that can change the chemistry of your brain.” (Emphasis added)

“Smaller said it “creates a new psychological — if not neurological — structure that can help regulate behavior.”

“Although research on neuroplasticity is relatively young, the concept of “rewiring” the brain is not new.“ (Emphasis added)

Source: Medpage Today/ABC News, January 31, 2010