Health Psych : Treatments

Free Association

A technique where patients say whatever comes to mind to uncover unconscious thoughts.

Dream Interpretation

Analyzing dreams to reveal unconscious desires and conflicts.

Unconscious Mind

The part of the mind that holds thoughts, memories, and desires outside conscious awareness.

Resistance

When a patient unconsciously blocks therapy progress by avoiding distressing topics.

Transference

When a patient projects emotions from past relationships onto their therapist.

Cognitive Restructuring

Changing negative thought patterns to healthier, more constructive ones.

Fear Hierarchies

A list ranking fears from least to most anxiety-provoking, used in exposure therapy.

Cognitive Triad

Aaron Beck’s theory that depression is linked to negative thoughts about oneself, the world, and the future.

Counterconditioning

Replacing an unwanted response with a new, positive one.

Biofeedback

Using technology to monitor and control physiological responses (e.g., heart rate).

Exposure Therapies

Techniques that help patients confront fears gradually.

Systematic Desensitization

Gradual exposure to a feared object while practicing relaxation techniques.

Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy

Using VR simulations to help patients face fears in a controlled environment.

Aversive Conditioning

Associating unwanted behaviors with unpleasant stimuli to reduce their occurrence.

Token Economy

A reward system using tokens to reinforce desired behaviors.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

A therapy that balances acceptance and change, often used for borderline personality disorder.

Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)

A therapy developed by Albert Ellis that challenges irrational beliefs to improve emotions and behavior.

Insight Therapies

Focus on self-awareness and understanding to promote personal growth.

Person-Centered Therapy

Carl Rogers’ therapy that emphasizes a supportive, nonjudgmental environment.

Active Listening

A communication technique where the therapist paraphrases and clarifies the patient’s words.

Unconditional Positive Regard

Accepting and valuing a person without conditions or judgment.

Group Therapy

Therapy involving multiple clients who share experiences and support one another.

Family Therapy

Therapy that treats family dynamics to resolve conflicts.

Individual Therapy

One-on-one therapy sessions between a patient and therapist.

Hypnosis

A state of focused attention and heightened suggestibility.

Posthypnotic Suggestion

A suggestion given during hypnosis that influences behavior afterward.

Dissociation

A psychological state where a person feels disconnected from their thoughts, feelings, or identity.

Psychopharmacology

The study of how drugs affect the mind and behavior.

Psychoactive Medications

Drugs that alter mood, perception, or behavior.

Antidepressants

Medications that help treat depression by balancing neurotransmitters.

Antianxiety Disorders

Medications that reduce anxiety symptoms, such as benzodiazepines.

Lithium

A mood stabilizer used to treat bipolar disorder.

Antipsychotic Medications

Drugs used to manage schizophrenia and other severe mental disorders.

Tardive Dyskinesia

A side effect of long-term antipsychotic use, causing involuntary movements.

Psychosurgery

Surgery that alters brain function to treat severe mental disorders.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

A noninvasive treatment that uses magnetic fields to stimulate brain areas linked to depression.

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

A procedure that induces seizures to treat severe depression and other disorders.

Lobotomy

A historical psychosurgery procedure that severed brain connections to alter behavior (now obsolete).

Posttraumatic Growth

Positive psychological changes experienced after struggling with a major life crisis.

Meta-Analysis

A statistical method that combines results from multiple studies to determine overall effectiveness.

Psychotherapy

Treatment of mental disorders through psychological methods rather than medical means.

Evidence-Based Interventions (Evidence-Based Practice)

Treatments that have been scientifically tested and proven effective.

Therapeutic Alliance

The trust and collaboration between a therapist and client, crucial for successful therapy.

Biomedical Therapies

Treatments that focus on physiological interventions, such as medication or brain stimulation.

Psychotropic Medication Therapy

The use of drugs to treat psychological disorders by altering brain chemistry.

Asylums

Institutions historically used to house individuals with mental illnesses, often with poor conditions.

Deinstitutionalization

The movement to shift mental health treatment from institutions to community-based care.

Psychological Therapies

Various non-medical treatments aimed at improving mental health, including cognitive, behavioral, and humanistic therapies.

Ethical Principles

Guidelines ensuring responsible and moral treatment in therapy.

Nonmaleficence

The commitment to avoiding harm to clients.

Fidelity

Maintaining trust, honesty, and professional responsibility in therapy.

Integrity

Practicing honesty and strong moral principles in psychological treatment.

Respect

Valuing clients’ rights, dignity, and autonomy.