Psychopathy and Psychological Treatments

"pls don't diagnose yourself" - PY100

Some historical treatments

Trephination, Bloodletting, Institutions/Insane asylums, Electroshock therapy, lobotomy

Several therapy approaches

Psychodynamic therapy. humanistic therapy, behavior therapy, cognitive therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), group therapy, family therapy

Psychotropic medications

Change neurochemistry in the brain

What changes who you are?

Interaction between Nature and Nurture (environmental events→genes)

Biopsychosocial Model of Mental Health

States that a person's well-being is influenced by a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors

Psychological Disorders

Often characterized by abnormal behaviors: Deviant, Maladaptive, Distressful

Deviant

different from the “norm” (deviating)

Maladaptive

Interferes with one’s ability to function

Distressful

feelings of shame, guilt, despair, etc. that makes the individual feel worse about themselves or their situation

DSM-5

A manual used to identify and diagnose mental disorders, provides a list of criteria that must be met prior to diagnosis

OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)

Unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and/or actions (compulsions)

Medication

Anti-anxiety/Anti-depressants; relapse rates are high, can be habit-forming

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Patients are taught how to identify problematic thoughts/behaviors as well as strategies on how to overcome these

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

Chronic fatigue, sense of worthlessness, reduced interest in the things that usually brings enjoyment, may lead to appetite and sleep disturbances

What might cause MDD?

Biological factors (genetics or a “chemical imbalance”), Psychological factors (learned helplessness or over-rumination on negative thoughts)

Bipolar Disorder

Fluctuations between intense depression and overwhelming mania, as if they have two selves

Bipolar I vs Bipolar II

Manic episode, might not have depression // Hypomania, has more downswings

Treatment of Mood Disorders

Depressive disorders; medications and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

BPD - Typical meds for depression can cause mania, common option is lithium

Dissociative identity disorder (DID)

Person exhibits 2 or more distinct or altering personalities; some psychologists question the prevalence of this disorder

Schizophrenia

Disorganized thinking and altered perceptions/hallucinations; considered a spectrum disorder with positive or negative symptoms

Positive symptoms of schizophrenia

The addition of inappropriate behaviors

• Hallucinations and delusions of paranoia and grandeur

• Disorganized thought and speech

• Referential thinking

Negative Symptoms of schizophrenia

Absence of appropriate behaviors

• Catatonia - prolonged states of immobility

• Flat affect (ex. little to no emotion)

Causes of schizophrenia

Biological factors - too much dopamine, brain abnormalities (shrinkage)

Genetic factor - 80% heritability, not 100% due to environmental effect (nature vs. nurture)