Understanding Mental Health and Treatment
Introduction to Mental Health Issues
Mental health portrayal in films differs from historical views.
Societal perception of mental health has evolved over time.
Historical Overview of Mental Health Treatment
Original Theories: Mental illness was seen as possession; treatment involved trephining or practices like exorcism.
Hippocrates (300 BC): Proposed imbalance of bodily fluids (humors) as the cause; treatment involved restoration through rest or bloodletting.
16th & 17th Centuries: Asylums emerged focused on containment rather than treatment.
Philippe Pinel (1793): Advocated moral treatment at La Bicetre, emphasizing humane care.
Dorothy Dix (1802-1887): Pushed for improved hospital availability, believing many could be cured.
20th Century Developments
1954: Introduction of Haloperidol led to deinstitutionalization.
1963 Community Mental Health Centers Act: Established funding for prevention, early detection, and aftercare, but resulted in increased homelessness.
Current Mental Health Treatment
Treatment today is mostly outpatient, often voluntary or involuntary; rural areas face provider shortages. Telehealth is increasingly utilized.
Psychotherapy includes various approaches:
Psychoanalysis: Focuses on unconscious thoughts, often using techniques like free association or dream analysis.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Targets dysfunctional thinking; the ABC model (A=Activating event, B=Belief, C=Consequence). For instance, if an 'Activating event' (A) is receiving a critical comment, a 'Belief' (B) might be 'I am worthless,' leading to a 'Consequence' (C) of withdrawal and sadness.
Types of Therapy
Behavioral Therapies: Focus on conditioning and exposure, such as systematic desensitization for phobias (gradual exposure to fear).
Cognitive Therapies: Aim to alter negative thinking patterns, like identifying and challenging catastrophic thoughts.
Humanistic Approach: Emphasizes empathy, genuineness, and positive regard, often seen in client-centered therapy.
Medication in Mental Health
Antipsychotics (e.g., Haldol) address schizophrenia but can have long-term effects.
Antidepressants (e.g., Prozac) for depression and anxiety can cause side effects like weight gain.
Mood Stabilizers (e.g., Lithium) for bipolar disorder may lead to toxicity if not managed properly.
Importance of Therapy
Successful therapy relies on evidence-based treatment, therapist expertise, and alignment with client worldview.
Combination of therapy and medication may be more effective than either alone.