Advancements in Psychological Disorder Treatment and Therapeutic Approaches

QUESTION

People with psychological disorders have been treated poorly throughout history. Describe some efforts to improve treatment, include explanations for the success or lack thereof.

2. Usually someone is hospitalized only if they are an imminent threat to themselves or others. Describe a situation that might meet these criteria.

3. Imagine that you are a psychiatrist. Your patient, Pat, comes to you with the following symptoms: anxiety and feelings of sadness. Which therapeutic approach would you recommend and why?

4. Compare and contrast individual and group therapies.

5. You are conducting an intake assessment. Your client is a 45-year-old single, employed male with cocaine dependence. He failed a drug screen at work and is mandated to treatment by his employer if he wants to keep his job. Your client admits that he needs help. Why would you recommend group therapy for him?

6. Lashawn is a 24-year-old African American female. For years she has been struggling with bulimia. She knows she has a problem, but she is not willing to seek mental health services. What are some reasons why she may be hesitant to get help?

ANSWER

Advancements in Psychological Disorder Treatment and Therapeutic Approaches

 Improvements in Psychological Disorder Treatment

Throughout history, people with psychological disorders have faced stigmatization and poor treatment. However, efforts to improve treatment have evolved over time, leading to significant advancements in mental health care. Some of these efforts include:

The Emergence of Asylums: In the 18th and 19th centuries, asylums were established as a form of institutional care for individuals with mental illness. While the intentions were to provide a safe and supportive environment, the conditions in asylums often deteriorated, resulting in poor treatment and neglect.

 Psychopharmacology: In the mid-20th century, the discovery of psychotropic medications, such as antipsychotics and antidepressants, revolutionized mental health treatment. These medications helped alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life for individuals with various psychological disorders.

Deinstitutionalization: During the late 20th century, there was a shift towards deinstitutionalization, aiming to move individuals with mental illness out of large institutions and into community-based care. This approach aimed to reintegrate individuals into society, but it also posed challenges in ensuring adequate community support and resources.

 Psychotherapy and Counseling: The development of various psychotherapeutic approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, and person-centered therapy, has provided effective treatment options for different psychological disorders. These therapeutic modalities address emotional, cognitive, and behavioral aspects of mental health, promoting lasting change.

Hospitalization Criteria for Imminent Threat

Individuals are usually hospitalized if they pose an imminent threat to themselves or others. One situation that might meet these criteria is if a person is experiencing severe suicidal ideation, has made specific plans to harm themselves, and has access to means to carry out the plan. Additionally, individuals who exhibit violent behaviors towards others, especially with a history of violence or unpredictable behavior, may also be hospitalized to ensure their safety and the safety of others.

Therapeutic Approach for Pat’s Symptoms

For Pat, who presents with symptoms of anxiety and feelings of sadness, a recommended therapeutic approach would be Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT is an evidence-based approach that focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and replacing them with more constructive and positive thoughts. CBT is particularly effective for anxiety and depression as it helps individuals gain insight into their emotional experiences, develop coping skills, and make behavioral changes to improve their well-being.

 Individual vs. Group Therapies

Individual Therapy

Individual therapy involves one-on-one sessions between a therapist and a client.
It provides personalized attention and tailored treatment plans to address the client’s specific needs and concerns.
The client can explore sensitive issues in a private setting, promoting a deeper level of self-awareness and understanding.
However, individual therapy may be more expensive and time-consuming than group therapy.

Group Therapy

Group therapy involves a therapist leading a group of clients who share similar concerns or diagnoses.
It offers a supportive and validating environment where clients can learn from one another’s experiences.
Group therapy may be more cost-effective and provide a sense of belonging and reduced isolation for participants.
However, it might not be as focused on individual needs and may not suit all individuals’ preferences for sharing personal experiences in a group setting.

 Group Therapy for the 45-year-old with Cocaine Dependence

For the 45-year-old client with cocaine dependence who needs to keep his job, group therapy would be recommended for several reasons:

 Supportive Environment: Group therapy offers a supportive network of peers who understand the struggles of addiction and can provide encouragement and empathy during the recovery process.

Coping Skills Development: In a group setting, clients can learn from one another’s coping strategies and share techniques for dealing with cravings and triggers related to drug use.

Accountability: Group therapy encourages accountability as clients are expected to attend regularly and actively participate, enhancing motivation for recovery.

Relapse Prevention: Group therapy can facilitate discussions about relapse prevention strategies, providing clients with tools to maintain sobriety in various situations.

Lashawn’s Hesitancy to Seek Help

Several reasons might contribute to Lashawn’s hesitancy to seek mental health services:

Stigma: Cultural stigma surrounding mental health issues, particularly within African American communities, may discourage Lashawn from seeking help due to fears of judgment and discrimination.

 Lack of Trust: Lashawn may have had negative past experiences with mental health professionals or may have heard negative stories from others, leading to mistrust in seeking professional assistance.

 Fear of Labeling: Lashawn might fear that seeking help for her bulimia could lead to negative labels or impact her personal and professional life.

 Cultural Barriers: Cultural norms and beliefs may suggest that mental health issues should be handled privately or within the family, leading Lashawn to resist seeking external help.

Limited Awareness: Lashawn might not be fully aware of the potential benefits of mental health services or the availability of culturally sensitive and inclusive treatment options.

In conclusion, significant efforts have been made to improve the treatment of individuals with psychological disorders. Psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and deinstitutionalization have played crucial roles in enhancing mental health care. Individual and group therapies offer distinct advantages, and group therapy can be particularly beneficial for individuals with substance dependence. However, cultural stigma and various barriers may deter individuals like Lashawn from seeking help, highlighting the importance of culturally sensitive and accessible mental health services.