All Flashcards
How are antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs) used?
To increase the availability of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain to regulate mood.
How are antianxiety medications (benzodiazepines) used?
To enhance the effects of GABA, reducing anxiety symptoms.
How is lithium used in treatment?
As a mood stabilizer for bipolar disorder, regulating neurotransmitter activity.
How are antipsychotic medications used?
To target dopamine and other neurotransmitters to manage psychotic symptoms.
How is exposure therapy applied to phobias?
Gradually expose clients to feared stimuli, from least to most anxiety-provoking, to help overcome phobias.
How is token economy applied?
Reinforce desired behaviors with tokens that can be exchanged for rewards.
How is biofeedback applied?
Using sensors to provide real-time information about physiological processes (heart rate, muscle tension) to help clients learn to regulate these processes.
How is electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) applied?
Induces controlled seizures through electrical stimulation, primarily used for severe, treatment-resistant depression.
How can cultural humility be applied in therapy?
Therapists need to be aware of and respect the diverse cultural backgrounds of their clients. This helps build trust and ensures the therapy is relevant and effective.
How is dream interpretation applied?
Analyzing the symbolic content of dreams to understand the unconscious mind. Dreams can be a window into hidden issues.
What is meta-analysis in psychotherapy research?
A "study of studies." Researchers combine data from many studies to see the bigger picture of treatment effectiveness.
What are evidence-based interventions?
Treatments that have been rigorously tested and proven effective through scientific research.
What is the therapeutic alliance?
A strong, positive relationship between the therapist and client that is essential for successful therapy.
Explain decentralized treatment.
Providing care in community settings (clinics, group homes) rather than large institutions to make care more accessible and less isolating.
What is combination therapy?
Using both medication and psychotherapy. Often more effective than either method alone.
What is the cognitive triad?
Negative thoughts about oneself, the world, and the future.
What is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)?
Combines cognitive and behavioral techniques to regulate emotions, tolerate distress, and improve relationships.
What is rational-emotive behavior therapy (REBT)?
Challenges irrational beliefs that cause emotional distress.
Explain the use of hypnosis in treatment.
Can be effective in managing chronic pain and reducing anxiety related to medical procedures, but not reliable for memory retrieval.
Describe the purpose of lesioning procedures.
Destroy small areas of the brain thought to contribute to the disorder.
What is Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)?
Uses magnetic fields to stimulate or inhibit brain activity; showing promise for depression and other conditions.
What is the effect of increased serotonin and norepinephrine?
Regulates mood, often alleviating depression symptoms.
What is the effect of enhancing GABA?
Reduces anxiety symptoms.
What can be the effect of long-term antipsychotic use?
Potential development of tardive dyskinesia, characterized by involuntary movements.
What is the effect of a strong therapeutic alliance?
Increases the likelihood of successful therapy outcomes.
What was the effect of developing effective medications on mental health treatment?
Largely drove deinstitutionalization, the shift from long-term stays in mental hospitals to community-based care.
What is the effect of challenging irrational beliefs?
Reduces emotional distress, as targeted by REBT.
What is the effect of providing unconditional positive regard?
Creates a safe and non-judgmental environment in therapy.
What is the effect of nonmaleficence?
Avoid actions that could hurt clients.
What is the effect of cognitive restructuring?
Changes thinking patterns.
What is the effect of lesioning procedures?
Destroy small areas of the brain thought to contribute to the disorder.
What is the effect of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)?
Induces controlled seizures through electrical stimulation. Primarily used for severe, treatment-resistant depression.