Therapies for Psychological Disorders Notes

Therapies for Psychological Disorders

Types of Therapies

Psychological disorders can be treated through various therapies:

• Psychological Therapies: Includes talk therapy and other methods that involve direct interaction between therapist and patient.

• Biomedical Therapies: Involve medication or medical interventions to treat psychiatric conditions.

Importance of Vulnerability in Therapy

Brene Brown emphasizes that vulnerability is crucial for building courage and facilitating psychological growth. It is essential for individuals seeking therapy to open up about their challenges in order to benefit fully from the therapeutic process. This vulnerability not only fosters a strong connection with the therapist but also encourages personal development.

Overview of Mental Health Providers

1. Clinical Psychologists

• Hold a PhD and are qualified to diagnose and treat a range of mental health disorders.

2. Counselling Psychologists

• Have Master's degrees or PhDs. They focus on common issues such as anxiety, depression, relationship troubles, and trauma.

3. Clinical Social Workers

• Possess MSW degrees and provide talk therapy, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

4. Psychiatric Nurses

• Trained in nursing and can conduct therapy sessions.

5. Psychiatrists

• MDs specializing in mental health, able to prescribe medications and provide treatment in hospital settings.

Types of Therapy Formats

• Individual vs. Group Therapy: Individual therapy allows for personal focus, while group therapy benefits from shared experiences.

• Outpatient vs. Inpatient Treatment: Outpatient treatment enables individuals to live at home while receiving therapy, whereas inpatient facilities provide round-the-clock care.

• Voluntary vs. Involuntary Treatment: Some individuals may be mandated to receive treatment due to legal reasons or imminent danger to themselves or others.

Historical Context of Mental Health Treatment

Historically, mental illnesses were often attributed to supernatural forces. Patients faced cruel treatments, including:

• Exorcisms: Religious leaders would perform rituals believed to expel harmful spirits.

• Trephining: Creating holes in the skull to release supposed demonic spirits, often resulting in death.

• Imprisonment: Many were jailed or executed based on accusations of witchcraft.

Early Inpatient Treatments

In the 1400s, asylums started to emerge, but conditions were brutal:

• Patients were often chained and lived in prison-like environments (e.g., Bedlam)

• Treatments included ineffective methods like cold water submersion and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

Deinstitutionalization Movement

• Introduced antipsychotic medications in 1954, which helped alleviate symptoms of psychosis. By the 1960s, many individuals were reintegrated into society as part of the deinstitutionalization movement designed to promote living outside of care facilities.

• This shift, however, resulted in increased homelessness and the need for residential treatment centers that provide therapy and life skills training.

Mental Health Treatment Today

• A significant percentage (about 25%) of homeless individuals have severe mental illnesses.

• Many mentally ill individuals are found within correctional institutions due to a lack of comprehensive mental health services.

Involuntary Treatment

Debate continues around the ethics of involuntary treatment:

• Pros: Provides protection for society, especially concerning dangerous individuals.

• Cons: Patients often feel coerced and stigmatized, leading to resentment.

Outpatient Treatment and Community Support

Community psychology aims to improve individuals' mental health within their communities, addressing issues like:

• Homelessness and mental health

• Substance abuse through harm reduction strategies

• Financial barriers to accessing mental health care

University Mental Health Resources

• Recent statistics indicate that 15% of college students report mental health symptoms, with rising awareness and access to counseling resources.

Evaluating Treatment Effectiveness

Empirically supported treatments are those validated through rigorous studies:

• Random assignments and double-blind experimental groups are often utilized, although outcomes can depend intensely on the therapeutic alliance—the relationship built between therapist and patient.

Self-Help Treatments

Self-help resources, such as bibliotherapy, have shown effectiveness in treating conditions like depression, especially popular works like "Feeling Good" by Dr. David D. Burns. Reviews indicate statistically significant improvements across numerous studies, highlighting the effectiveness of certain self-help methods.

Barriers to Seeking Help

Despite the need for mental health treatment, many barriers exist:

• Stigma associated with mental illness, where individuals may perceive it as weakness or failure.

• Gender roles also play a part, with men often feeling pressured to exhibit strength and independence instead of seeking help.

• Financial constraints further inhibit access to available services, despite various funding options.

Role of AI in Mental Health Support

Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents new avenues for therapy, potentially

• Reducing stigma

• Offering lower-cost options

• Guiding individuals to professional help when necessary, while also raising ethical concerns about privacy and quality of care in digital therapeutics.

Overall, understanding these elements of mental health treatment can enhance awareness and preparation for any related discussions or examinations on psychological therapies and their evolution over time.