The Neuro-Psychoanalysis Society of Argentina

More than three years ago, we initiated a series of courses with the aim of spreading neurobiological insights into the functioning of the mind, as well as the observable changes related to the implementation of various therapies. We were also interested in developing a training milieu in which the contributions of neuroscience could be discussed, so as to understand the fundamentals of psychoanalysis as well as the contributions of psychoanalysis in guiding new potential developments within the neurosciences.

We have addressed neuro-psychoanalysis with a special emphasis on the fact that our objective is not reductionistic in regard to psychoanalysis. On the contrary, we are convinced that there is a possibility of an integrated coevolution for both sciences. In support of this “coevolutive” view, we have taken recourse to modern concepts that stem from another recent integrationist approach—namely, that of neurophilosophy.

In August 2000 we started a course on basic neurobiology (especially for residents of psychiatry and psychology), which, due to public demand, was extended to include neurophysiopathology and neuroimaging.

During 2003 the development of this project resulted in three courses:

1. Psychoanalysis and neuroscience—a nonreductionistic approach.

2. The neurobiology of subjectivity, affect, and sexuality.

3. The neurobiology of mental disorders

For two years we have given a distance-teaching course on neurobiology, in Spanish, making use of the efficient ways of presenting the material offered by the internet. During 2004 we hope to be able to publish a book on neuroscience “tailored” especially for psychologists and psychiatrists.

It would be of great interest for our institution to establish closer links to the International Society of Neuro-Psychoanalysis so as to exchange experiences and enhance the development of the important and interesting field of neuro-psychoanalysis.