Lecture 1 - Introduction

Question 1

Defintion: Psychopathology

Answer 1

“a psychological dysfunction within an individual associated with distress or impairment in functioning and response that is not typically or culturally expected”.

Question 2

Psychopathology components

Answer 2

• Intention – abnormal behaviour in the name of entertainment.
• Dysfunction – causes harm, culturally disvalued, interference with functioning. Pattern of inflexibility/rigidity.
• Psychological dysfunction – the brain is in some way malfunctioning, not working as it should be. Failing to perform their natural function.
• Impairment/distress – harm or deprivation of benefit to the person. Impairment to functioning.
• Societal norm violation – value judgement – how does it fit into cultural context?

Question 3

Traditional views of psychopathology

Answer 3

• Historical approach – supernatural tradition, often used trepanning and biles to treat and explain mental disorders. At least they were trying something using trial-and-error, but they were incorrect.
• Biological tradition – from biles to neurotransmitters. Reduces the stigma on the patient since it isn’t their fault. Good empiricism and medication.
• Psychological tradition – disorders as faulty psychological development and social context. Psychoanalysis (unconsciousness and drives) à humanism (self-actualisation, helping the client help themselves) à behaviourism (reinforcement and punishment, tabula rasa). Building upon the weaknesses of the others, but largely insufficient on their own. Still use many of these techniques.

Question 4

Scientific method and integrative approach:

Answer 4

movement from one dimensional approach to a multidimensional approach incorporating complexities. Observation, measurement, and experiment. Complex interplay between genetic, cultural, social, environmental, and interpersonal factors.

Question 5

Scientist Practitioner

Answer 5

Science, through evidence-based treatments or guidance for decision-making, should inform clinical practice. Our experience in clinical practice should refine and enhance clinical research – tell people if something isn’t working!

• Assessment and intervention procedures.
• Accessing and integrating scientific findings.
• Framing and testing hypotheses.
• Building and maintaining effective teamwork with other health professions.
• Research-based training and support to other professions.
• Contributing to practice-based research and development to improve the quality and effectiveness of psychological treatments and theory.

Question 6

National Practice Standards (titles 12)

Answer 6

• Rights, responsibilities, safety, and privacy
• Working with people, families, and carers in recovery-focused ways
• Meeting diverse needs
• Working with ATSI people, families and communities
• Access
• Individual planning
• Treatment and support
• Transitions in care
• Quality improvements
• Communication and information management
• Health promotion and prevention
• Ethical practice and professional developmental responsibilities

Question 7

National Practice Standard:

Ethical practice and professional developmental responsibilities

Answer 7

accountable. Acknowledging and minimising the power differential. Maintaining and extending professional knowledge and skills. Self-care for good mental health and wellbeing.

Question 8

National Practice Standard:

Health promotion and prevention

Answer 8

resilience in communities, groups, and individuals.

Question 9

National Practice Standard:

Communication and information management

Answer 9

rapport established. High standard of documentation and use of information systems.

Question 10

National Practice Standard:

Quality improvements

Answer 10

familiarity with current research and evaluation.

Question 11

National Practice Standard:

Transitions in care

Answer 11

timely, relevant, and structured handover to other professionals.

Question 12

National Practice Standard:

Treatment and Support

Answer 12

many acceptable treatments. Recognises when to ask other people for assistance or supervision. Monitors response to treatment.

Question 13

National Practice Standards:

Individual Planning

Answer 13

plan quality, evidence-based, values-based interventions.

Question 14

National Practice Standards:

Access

Answer 14

positive and respectful experiences of the service. Clear explanation of process, confidentiality, needs and responsibilities. Communication with other professionals.

Question 15

National Practice Standards:

Working with ATSI people, families and communities

Answer 15

Reduce barriers to access

Question 16

National Practice Standards:

Meeting diverse needs

Answer 16

diversity of people are actively and respectfully responded to. Culturally appropriate assessment.

Question 17

National Practice Standards:

Working with people, families, and carers in recovery-focused ways

Answer 17

family, community, culture.

Question 18

National Practice Standards:

Rights, responsibilities, safety, and privacy

Answer 18

meaningful professional and therapeutic relationships with maintaining professional boundaries. De-escalation, harm minimisation, and negotiation.