6. Mental Health Flashcards
Why is anxiety and depression important to treat in patients with chronic illness?
Compromises quality of life, patients cope less well with treatment, associated with poor health related behaviours, associated with lower adherence to treatment, increased risk of morbidity and mortality.
What two key reasons may prevent recognition of psychological problems?
Patients may not disclose, or health professionals may not ask.
Why may a patient not want to disclose information about their mental health?
Avoid being judged, avoid being a burden, fear of stigma, believe psychological problems are inevitable in their condition, fear of consequences, poor communication skills from doctor, not enough time in consultation.
Why may health professionals not ask questions about mental health?
May feel like it’s outside of their role, don’t want to further distress patient, reluctant to label patients.
Name three psychological interventions to do with dealing with mental health problems.
Cognitive-behaviour therapy, psychoanalytic/psychodynamic therapies, humanistic therapy.
What is the purpose of cognitive-behaviour therapy?
To change maladaptive thought, beliefs, and behaviour.
What is CBT suitable for?
Depression, anxiety, phobias, eating disorder, and schizophrenia.
What must the patient be willing to do in CBT?
Engage actively and collaboratively and articulate their problems.
What is the purpose of psychoanalytic/psychodynamic therapies?
Address unconscious conflicts and resolve previous painful experiences.
When are psychanalytic/psychodynamic therapies suitable?
Those with interpersonal/ personality problems.
What must patients have the capacity to do in psychoanalytic/ psychodynamic therapy?
Tolerate mental pain and have an interest in self-exploration.
What is the basis of humanistic therapy?
Warmth, empathy, unconditional positive regard.
What is humanistic therapy suitable for?
Life events, mild depression, anxiety, and stress.
