7b Psychological Disorders & Interventions

Question 1

Describe how exposure therapy works.

Exposure approach in behavioural therapy

Answer 1

Treat phobias through exposure to the feared CS (e.g. car) in theabsence of the UCS (e.g. accident)
- Response prevention is used to keep the operant avoidant response from occurring
This is highly effective at reducing anxiety states

Question 2

Why is exposure therapy controversial?

Answer 2

It causes intense temporary anxiety

Question 3

Describe the basis in learning theory of exposure therapy.

Answer 3

It is influenced by both classic and operant conditioning approaches

Question 4

Compare the effectiveness of CBT with the effectiveness of anti-depressants.

Answer 4

CBT has a much lower rate of relapse than anti-depressants

Question 5

What conditions are psychological therapies recommended for in the NICE guidelines?

Answer 5

Depression 
Social anxiety 
Generalised anxiety disorder  
PTSD 
OCD 
Bulimia 
Panic disorder and specific phobia  
Schizophrenia

Question 6

Describe Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

Answer 6

Emotions, thoughts, and behaviors all influence each other

CBT’s tenet that all humans’ core beliefs can be summed up in three categories: self, others, future.

Question 7

Describe the 5 core features of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

Answer 7

1. Focuses on problematic beliefs and behaviours that maintain disorders (‘here and now’ rather than original causes)
2. Goal oriented i.e. specific and measurable
3. Collaborative relationship
4. Brief (8-16 sessions)
5. Scientific approach(involves collecting data, testing hypotheses)

Question 8

List symptoms/criteria of depression

Answer 8

Depressed mood
Diminished interest in activities
Difficulty concentrating, feelings of worthlessness
Excessive or inappropriate guilt, hopelessness
Changes in appetite or sleep
Psychomotor agitation or retardation
Reduced energy or fatigue

Question 9

Suggest treatment options for depression

Answer 9

CBT (first line treatment)

Antidepressants (if resistant to therapy)

Question 10

What are the 6 core principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy? (ACT)

Answer 10

6 principles to develop psychological flexibility

1. Being present (focus on here and now)
2. Values (discover what is truly important to you)
3. Commitment (take action to pursue the important things)
4. Self as context (see yourself as unchanged by time and experience)
5. Defusion (observe your thoughts without being ruled by them)
6. Acceptance (be willing ot experience difficult thought)

Question 11

What can ACT be used for?

Answer 11

Chronic pain
Aims to increase psychological flexibility and acknowledges the unhelpful role of cognitive processes (rumination and catastrophising)