Key Concepts in Mental Health Theory

These flashcards cover critical vocabulary and concepts related to mental health theories, therapeutic techniques, and definitions from the provided lecture notes.

Psychoanalytic Theory

Focuses on the role of the unconscious in affecting conscious behavior; explains defense mechanisms.

• ID v Ego v Super Ego

• transference and countertransference

Transference

Client projects past relationship feelings onto the therapist.

Countertransference

Therapist's emotional reaction to the client, often unconscious.

Classical Conditioning

Learning that occurs through associations between stimuli.

Operant Conditioning

Learning that occurs through consequences or rewards. (punishment/reinforcement)

Observational Learning

Learning that occurs through observing the behavior of others.

Interpersonal Theory

Focuses on the impact of interpersonal relationships and social interactions on personality formation.

• all behavior is focused on getting needs met by interactions

Self System

Concept of identity based on relationships with others.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Targets issues like depression and anxiety by modifying thought patterns.

Cognitive Distortions

Negative thinking patterns that can be challenged in therapy.

Trauma-Focused CBT

Short term therapy addressing trauma to reduce its impact.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

Challenges extreme thinking; focuses on emotional tolerance and regulation.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Therapy that treats PTSD by focusing on trauma memory while using bilateral stimulation.

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

A motivational theory comprising different levels of mental and physical needs.

Milieu Therapy

A therapeutic intervention focusing on the total environment.

• patient is part of treatment team, active in community “structured , puposeful activities”

• uses “real life events”

Biological Theory

Focuses on biological, neurological, and genetic factors affecting mental health.

Diathesis Model

Suggests predisposition for mental disorders triggered by stress.

Crisis Stage

• stabilize and provide safety

• focus on life threatening risk facts

Acute Stage

• remission

• focus on symptoms and maladaptiv coping

• symptom reduction

Maintenance Stage

Encourages increased independence

• recovery and patient functioning

• reinforce positive coping.

Health Promotion Stage

Aim for optimal wellness and quality of life.

Erikson's Stages of Development

A series of psychosocial development stages from infancy to late adulthood.

Scope of Practice

Includes prescriptive privileges, psychotherapy, and consultation depending on the role.

Counseling vs Psychotherapy

Counseling

• focuses on support and education and behavior

• brief

• problem solving

• providing direction

Psychotherapy

• aims to address the root of problems.

• long term

• additional training

Mental Health

A state of well-being where individuals reach potential and cope with stressors.

Aspects of Mental Health

Includes rational thinking, communication skills, and resilience.

Mental Disorders

Clinically significant behaviors or psychological syndromes that cause distress or risk.

Harm Reduction

An approach focused on reducing the negative consequences of behaviors.

Recovery Model

A model for mental illness recovery that is self-directed and empowering.

Change Theory

Stages of change: precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance.

Motivational Interviewing

A person-centered technique to elicit and strengthen motivation for change.

DSM Information

Includes diagnostic criteria and associated features of mental disorders.

V Codes

other conditions that may affect the diagnosis, course, prognosis, or treatment of patients mental disorder

• Ex: abuse, problems w relationships, education, occupation, housing, economics, legal, life

MSE Categories

Categories including appearance, speech, motor activity, intersction during interview, mood, affect, perceptions, thought content, thought processes, memory, concentration and calculation, information/intelligence/abstract, judgement, insight

CAGE Questionnaire

A tool assessing alcohol use through specified questions.

• C: cut down “ have you ever felt you should CUT DOWN on your drinking?”

• A: annoyed “ have other people ANNOYED you by criticizing your drinking?”

• G: guilty “ have you ever felt GUILTY about drinking?”

• E: Eye opener “ have you ever taken a drink in the morning to steady your nerves or to get rid of a hangover?”