Treatment of Psychological Disorders

BACKGROUND Many beliefs about causes of disorders. Many beliefs about therapy. Common purpose – alter clients’ behavior, thoughts, and/or feelings.

History People have always suffered psychological problems… Attitudes and treatments have changed dramatically! Historically – – People believed to be possessed – Persecution rather than treatment… – Ancient Greeks & Romans – The Enlightenment Philippe Pinel & Dorothea Dix – 1950s deinstitutionalization

Types of Psychotherapy Psychoanalytic Humanistic Behavioral Cognitive Biological

Psychoanalysis Sigmund Freud Couch Unconscious conflicts Id, ego, superego Defense mechanisms Hypnosis, free association, dream analysis Manifest content & Latent content Resistance Transference

Humanistic Therapy Abraham Maslow & Carl Rogers Self-actualization Inherent goodness & Free will Determinism Client-centered therapy Unconditional positive regard Non-directive Active listening

Behavioral Therapy B.F. Skinner & John Watson “all behavior is learned.” counterconditioning Systematic desensitation Anxiety hierarchy In vivo desensitation or covert desensitation Flooding Extinguished fears Modeling Aversive conditioning – bed wetting & smoking Token economy – mental institutions & schools

Cognitive Therapy Changing unhealthy thought patterns… “Explanatory style” – Disconfirmation & Reconceptualization – Insight – Albert Ellis ABCs a.Activating event b.Belief c.Consequence – Homework often given…

Biological Theory People with an ear infection are given antibiotics? Could the same approach work for people with psychological problems? Methods – – Medication – Electric shock – Surgery

Medications Antipsychotic drugs – – Reduce agitation, delusions and hallucinations by blocking dopamine – Side effects??? Anti-depressant drugs – – Treat major depression – increase amount of noradrenalin or serotonin Lithium – Natural chemical – – Bipolar disorder Anti-anxiety drugs – Relieve anxiety and panic disorders – depress activity of central nervous system… – Sedatives or tranquilizers

Electroconvulsive Therapy An electrical shock sent through the brain… “shock treatment” Treats severe depression & schizophrenia volts – 1.1 seconds Bilateral or unilateral?

Surgery Prefrontal lobotomy Psychosurgery – section of frontal lobe of brain is destroyed… 1930s-1950s… Schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulive disorder.