Treatment of Psychological Disorders

The lecture discusses the treatment of psychological disorders, focusing on various psychological treatments.
It is structured into two parts: Part One covering biological treatments and the basics of psychological treatments.

Nearly 50% of Australians had a mental disorder at some point in their lives.
Over 20% reported experiencing a mental disorder in the past 12 months.
Anxiety is the most common disorder.
For young Australians (ages 16-24), the prevalence of mental disorders is notably higher.
Almost one in six Australians reported having suicidal thoughts or behaviors during their lifetime, with 3.3% in the past year.

A majority do not seek help, particularly in rural and remote areas.
Females are more likely to seek assistance compared to males.
Only 7.8% of individuals saw a psychologist, with many preferring general practitioners (GPs) for assistance.

Biological treatments are based on the premise that mental disorders relate to changes in brain chemistry.
These treatments can only be administered by trained professionals (psychiatrists, some GPs).

Pharmacotherapy: Use of psychiatric medications to address neurotransmitter issues.

Mechanism: Balancing neurotransmitter levels (inhibit excess or increase low levels).
Classes of Medications:
- Anxiolytics/Benzodiazepines: For anxiety but with addiction risk.
- Antidepressants: Several classes including SSRIs, which have fewer side effects than older variants.
- Mood Stabilizers: Such as lithium for bipolar disorder.
- Antipsychotics: For psychotic disorders, varying generations based on effectiveness.

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): Used for treatment-resistant conditions, such as severe depression.

Induces brief seizures under anesthesia; short-term memory issues may occur but typically resolve quickly.

Psychosurgery: Rarely used today; historical practices involved severe brain surgeries like lobotomy, now banned in many areas.

Some exceptions for severe treatment-resistant OCD exist, although methods today are much more refined.

Treatment responses vary due to individual differences in neurotransmitter systems.
Risk of treatment resistance, requiring prolonged medication trials and adjustments.
Medications do not address situational, interpersonal issues directly (e.g., personal conflicts).
Concerns about over-prescription, particularly in vulnerable populations.

Definition: Psychological services by trained professionals to assess and treat emotional, cognitive, and behavioral issues through communication.
Key Aspects: Focus on collaborative goals, therapeutic alliance is crucial for effective treatment.

Rooted in Freudian concepts emphasizing unconscious conflicts impacting behavior and emotions.
Goals: Increase insight into unconscious thoughts, potentially resolving symptoms related to early relationships and experiences.
Techniques: Free association, exploring distressing thoughts, understanding transference in therapy relationships.
Criticism: Rely on anecdotal evidence, hard to validate scientifically, can overlook present sociocultural influences.

Focuses on how thoughts and behaviors influence emotions.
Techniques:
Functional Analysis: Identify triggers and reinforcing consequences of behaviors.
Cognitive Restructuring: Challenge irrational beliefs to foster adaptive thinking.
Exposure Techniques: Gradual exposure to feared stimuli helps reduce anxiety (e.g., systematic desensitization, graded exposure).
Evidence base is strong, proving effective for many psychological disorders.
Third Wave Behavioral Interventions (e.g., DBT, ACT): Focus on the process of thinking, acceptance of thoughts rather than direct challenge.

Designed for depression, addressing relationship issues and interpersonal disputes.
Focus areas: Grief, role transitions, conflicts, and deficits in social skills.

The lecture covered the first half of psychological treatments with the intention of continuing with more complex therapies in the following sessions.
Emphasis on the importance of both pharmacological and psychological treatments in providing comprehensive care for individuals with mental disorders.