Treatment of Psychological Disorders

Overview u How can treatments be evaluated? u How do drug treatments work? u What are the different types of psychological treatments?

Evaluating Effectiveness u Measurable outcomes u Relapse rate u Side effects u Spontaneous recovery u Placebo effects u Eclectic approach to treatment

How do Drug Treatments Work? u Evidence of abnormalities in neurotransmitter systems for particular disorders u Drug treatments affect these neurotransmitter systems

Example: Antipsychotics u Phenothiazines are widely used (e.g., Thorazine) u Reduce psychotic symptoms, e.g., hallucinations, disordered thinking u Blocks action of dopamine u Side effects include tardive dyskinesia u Lack of compliance with medication instructions

Example: Antidepressants u Tricyclics are commonly prescribed (e.g., Elavil) u Improve mood, activity, sleep patterns u Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors u Effects slightly better than placebo effects u Take several weeks to work u May be fatal when consumed with alcohol

Example: Anxiolytics u Benzodiazapenes are widely used (e.g., Valium) u Reduce anxiety levels u Stimulate GABA receptors u Tolerance may develop u Side effects include drowsiness, difficulty thinking

Psychological Treatments u Psychodynamic Therapy u Humanistic Therapy u Behavior Therapy u Cognitive-Behavior Therapy

Psychodynamic Therapy u Explore unconscious thoughts and emotions u Develop insight u Focus on relationships with others u Can be time-consuming and expensive u Limited evidence of effectiveness

Humanistic Therapy u Focus on personal growth, future u Client is responsible u Emphasis on acceptance, support u Unconditional positive regard (Rogers) u Limited evidence of effectiveness

Behavior Therapy u Emphasis on learned behavior patterns u Classical Conditioning u Operant Conditioning u Focus on changing behaviors u Continuous monitoring of behaviors u Most effective therapy for anxiety disorders

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy u Focus on maladaptive thoughts and behaviors u Identify irrational thoughts, cognitive distortions u Change thoughts and behaviors by using principles of learning u Effective in treating depression and anxiety disorders