Chapter 15

Psychotherapy

A treatment method for mental health issues that involves talking with a trained therapist to explore thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Eclectic therapy

An approach that combines elements from various therapeutic modalities to tailor treatment to an individual's needs.

Psychodynamic therapy

A type of therapy that focuses on unconscious processes and past experiences affecting current behavior.

Cognitive therapy

A therapy that involves changing maladaptive thought patterns to improve mood and behavior.

Behavior therapy

A therapy that uses reinforcement and punishment to modify specific behaviors.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

An integrative therapy that combines cognitive and behavioral techniques, focusing on the impact of thoughts and behaviors on emotions.

Humanistic therapies

Psychological approaches that emphasize personal growth, self-actualization, and the individual's capacity for self-healing.

Couples’ therapy

Therapy that addresses relationship issues between partners.

Family therapy

Therapy that involves treating families as units to improve communication and resolve conflicts.

Group therapy

A therapeutic setting where individuals share experiences and gain support from others.

Psychopharmacology

The study of how drugs affect mood and behavior.

Antipsychotic drugs

Medications that treat conditions like schizophrenia by modulating dopamine levels.

Benzodiazepines

Antianxiety medications that enhance the effects of neurotransmitters to calm the nervous system.

SSRIs and SNRIs

Classes of antidepressants used to help regulate neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

A procedure used for treatment-resistant depression that induces controlled seizures to alleviate symptoms.

Placebo effects

Improvements in symptoms from a treatment that are not directly attributable to the therapeutic intervention.

Outcome studies

Research examining the effectiveness of various therapies in treating different disorders.

Mindfulness meditation

A practice focusing on the present moment without judgment, promoting overall mental well-being.