Mental Health Treatments and History

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and definitions related to the history and treatment of mental health disorders.

Trepanation

An early treatment for mental disorders that involved creating holes in a person's skull to release evil spirits.

Asylum

Institutions established in the 16th century for housing individuals with severe mental illness, criminals, and people with epilepsy.

Barbaric Treatment

The cruel and inhumane conditions in asylums, including filthy living conditions and the use of shackles and chains.

Philippe Pinel

A French physician who advocated for humane treatment of mentally ill individuals and improved conditions in asylums in 1793.

York Retreat

Founded by William Tuke, a facility in England that offered humane treatment through reading, light labor, and conversation.

Eugenics Movement

A late 19th-century movement that viewed mental disorders as defects requiring institutionalization and sterilization.

Antipsychotic Medications

Medications introduced in the 1950s, such as Thorazine, that reduced symptoms of schizophrenia.

De-institutionalization

The process initiated in 1963 that shifted mental health care from large hospitals to community-based treatment.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

A therapeutic approach that combines cognitive and behavioral techniques to address self-defeating thoughts and behaviors.

Mindfulness Therapy

A therapy focused on accepting present experiences non-judgmentally, originating from Buddhist practices.

Benzodiazepines

A category of medications used for short-term anxiety relief, known to be highly addictive.

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

A treatment involving electrical stimulation of the brain to induce seizures for severe depression, used only when other treatments fail.

Vagal Nerve Stimulation (VNS)

A treatment approach involving a battery-powered device that delivers electrical pulses to the vagus nerve for depression.

Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act

U.S. federal law requiring equal coverage for mental health and substance abuse treatment as for physical health.

Digital Therapeutics

Emerging prescription apps and digital platforms offering innovative ways to deliver mental health care.

Psychoanalysis (Sigmund Freud, Early 1900s)

Focused on uncovering unconscious thoughts using free association and dream analysis.

Psychodynamic Therapy

Derived from Freud's psychoanalysis, focusing on unconscious forces, childhood experiences, and internal conflicts.

Existential and Humanistic Therapies

Focus on self-acceptance, rational choices, and personal growth.

Client-centered Therapy (Carl Rogers)

Developed by Carl Rogers, emphasizing empathy and creating a non-judgmental environment.

Key Features of Client-centered Therapy

Active listening, empathy, non-judgmental space for self-actualization.

Behavioral Therapies

View negative behaviors as learned and aim to replace them with more positive behaviors.

Exposure Therapy

Used to treat anxiety by gradually exposing patients to feared situations.

Flooding

Intense exposure to stress-inducing stimuli to reduce fear.

Virtual Reality in Exposure Therapy

Helps patients gradually confront stressful environments in a controlled way.

Cognitive Therapy

Addresses self-defeating thoughts and aims to change them to improve behavior.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Combines cognitive and behavioral approaches focusing on present issues.

Mindfulness Therapy

Focuses on non-judgmentally accepting thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations.

Group Therapy

Provides supportive environment in group settings for shared experiences.

Evaluation of Psychotherapy Effectiveness

Measures success and effectiveness of different psychotherapeutic approaches.

Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT has shown effectiveness for treating various disorders and in decreasing suicidal thoughts.

Eclectic Approach to Psychotherapy

Combines multiple therapeutic approaches to fit individual needs.

Medications in Mental Health Treatment

Includes antidepressants and other medications to alleviate mental health symptoms.

Concerns About SSRIs and Suicide Risk in Youth

Some studies suggest SSRIs may increase the risk of suicide in children and adolescents.

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

Induces seizures with electrical current to treat severe depression.

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)

Surgically implants a device to send electrical pulses and normalize brain activity.

Barriers to Seeking Mental Health Treatment

Challenges including cost, availability, and stigma prevent access to care.

Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act

Mandates equal coverage for mental health treatment as for physical health