9F: Treatment (Humanistic, Psychodynamic, Biomedical)

Free association

a psychodynamic therapy technique where individuals express thoughts and ideas as they come to mind without censorship or self-criticism, to explore unconscious material.

dream interpretation

a psychodynamic therapy technique in which a person’s dreams are interpreted to uncover unconscious thoughts, desires, and conflicts, potentially leading to greater self-awareness and emotional growth

unconscious mind

a core concept in psychoanalysis, refers to the part of the psyche that operates below conscious awareness, containing thoughts, feelings, and memories that are not readily accessible, yet significantly influence behavior.

Person-centered therapy

a humanistic approach to psychotherapy developed by Carl Rogers that focuses on creating a supportive and non-judgmental environment where clients can explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences and work towards self-actualization.

active listening

a core skill of person-centered therapy where the counselor fully engages with the client's verbal and non-verbal messages, showing empathy and understanding to foster trust and empower the client to explore their concerns

unconditional positive regard

a humanistic technique that involves showing complete support and acceptance of psychotherapy clients

psychoactive medication

substances that affect the brain and alter mental processes, such as mood, perception, consciousness, and behaviorused to treat a wide range of mental health conditions

antidepressants

medication used to treat depression that is often in the form of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which works by blocking the reabsorption of serotonin and, therefore, increasing its effects.

antianxiety medicine

medication used to treat anxiety by mimicking GABA, a neurotransmitter that inhibits nerve signals, leading to a calming effect.

antipsychotic medications

medication commonly used to treat schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, it works by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain

tardive dyskinesia

a neurological condition characterized by involuntary, repetitive, and often bizarre movements; it is often a side-effect of long-term use of antipsychotic medications that work by lowering dopamine

psychosurgery

a type of surgery used in rare cases to treat severe mental health problems, when all other treatments have failed

lobotomy

a form of psychosurgery that is no longer used

electroconvulsive therapy

a medical treatment that involves administering a brief electrical current to the brain to induce a seizure; typically used to treat severe cases of depression when other options have not worked

transcranial magnetic stimulation

a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain; typically used to treat severe cases of depression when other options have not worked

hypnotherapy

a therapeutic technique that helps a client reach a trance-like state of focus; critics question its effectiveness

Lesioning

a surgical procedure that involves deliberately damaging specific areas of the brain to alleviate symptoms of mental disorders.

Lithium

a mood-stabilizing medication commonly used to treat bipolar disorder by balancing neurotransmitters in the brain.