17: Treatment of Psychological Disorders - Psychological Disorders and Society

Question 1

Psychological Disorders and Society

Question 2

Deinstitutionalization

Answer 2

• In 1960s, concern about inadequacies of mental hospitals, and ability of antipsychotic drugs to normalize patient’s behaviour, led to movement to transfer primary focus of treatment from institution to community
• Psychiatric units were added to many hospitals and community services were established

Question 3

Deinstitutionalization

Revolving Door Phenomenon

Answer 3

patients respond well to medication in hospital, and are soon released into a community that cannot offer them care they require, and then are sent back to the hospital

Question 4

Preventive Mental Health

Answer 4

Preventing development of disorders is preferable to successful treatment

Question 5

Preventive Mental Health

Two Perspectives Can Prevent Disorders:

Answer 5

1. Situation-focused prevention – directed at reducing or eliminating environmental causes of behaviour disorders or at enhancing situational factors that help prevent the development of disorders
2. Competency-focused prevention – designed to increase personal resources and coping skills

Question 6

Applications

When and Where to Seek Therapy