psychological therapies
Overview
This lesson explores various psychological therapies used to treat mental health disorders, focusing on their theoretical underpinnings, techniques, and effectiveness. We will cover biological, psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioural, and humanistic approaches to intervention. Understanding these therapies is crucial for evaluating different treatment paradigms in abnormal psychology.
1. Biological Therapies (Drug Therapy)
Biological therapies primarily involve the use of psychotropic medications to alter brain chemistry and alleviate symptoms of mental disorders. These drugs target neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. * **Antidepressants:** Used to treat depression, anxiety disorders, a...
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Key Concepts
- Psychological Therapy: A systematic process used to help individuals overcome psychological difficulties and achieve personal growth.
- Psychopharmacology: The study of the use of medications in treating mental disorders, often referred to as drug therapy.
- Psychodynamic Therapy: A type of talk therapy that aims to uncover unconscious conflicts and past experiences influencing current behaviour and emotions.
- Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT): A structured, short-term therapy that helps individuals identify and change unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours.
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Exam Tips
- →When evaluating therapies, always consider both strengths and weaknesses, and use research evidence (e.g., studies comparing CBT to psychodynamic therapy) to support your points.
- →Be prepared to compare and contrast different therapeutic approaches, highlighting their core assumptions, techniques, and suitability for different disorders. For example, how does CBT differ from psychodynamic therapy in its approach to depression?
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