Non-Pharmacological (Conservative) Tx of MHDs

Question 1

State the benefits of pharmacological Tx

Answer 1

• Quickly prescribed
• Available
• Measurable effects

Question 2

State the negatives of pharmacological Tx

Answer 2

• Cost
• Side-effects
• Withdrawal effects
• Disenfranchised patients (‘by-stander’)

Question 3

State 3 conservative Tx approaches to MHDs

Answer 3

• Physical Exercise
• Sleep Hygiene
• Bibliotherapy (reading books)
• Self-support groups
• Counselling
• Psychotherapy: CBT/Mindfulness/Group Therapy

Question 4

What is CBT?

Answer 4

Type of psychotherapy focusing on behaviours, thoughts and feelings and teaching coping skills for dealing with different problems – focus on behavioural therapy. Combination of cognitive therapy and behavioural therapy.

Question 5

State the 6 thought distortions

Answer 5

1. Magnification: Blowing things out of proportion
2. Overgeneralisation: Sweeping generalisations based on single event
3. Personalisation: Personal responsibility for events beyond their control
4. Self Abstraction: Drawing conclusions from just one element of many
5. Arbitrary interference: Conclusions when little or no evidence
6. Minimisation: Downplaying importance of positive thoughts, emotions or events

Question 6

What is Mindfulness?

Answer 6

Type of psychotherapy using mindfulness (awareness of thoughts, feelings and actions hindering daily life) to promote good mental, physical and social healthy. Can often be couples with other therapies – CBT, ACT etc.

Question 7

What is sleep hygiene?

Answer 7

behaviours and practices to change the environmental factors which may be beneficial or detrimental to sleep

Question 8

State 5 sleep hygiene factors

Answer 8

• Regular pattern
• Exercise in morning
• Bedroom T (cool, dark and quiet)
• No caffeine or alcohol within 6 hours of bed time
• Avoid screen time for 30 mins before bed
• Avoid day naps

Question 9

What is Motivational Interviewing?

Answer 9

Patient-centred counselling style for eliciting behavioural change by helping patients to explore and resolve ambivalence

Question 10

Give the factors for Motivational Interviewing.

Answer 10

• Resist (at first)
• Understand
• Listen
• Empower
• Open Qs
• Affirmations
• Reflect/Repeat
• Summarise

Question 11

Outline the stages of change

Answer 11

1) Pre-contemplation = No need to change behaviour
• Denial
• No problem/symptoms

2) Contemplation = Consider behaviour is problematic
• See problems
• No formal move to change behaviour

3) Preparation = Evaluate how to make a change
• Think of possible actions to mitigate and change behaviour
• Embrace belief that change lies within them

4) Action = Engage in real efforts to change
• Attempt to cut back on behaviours + engage in formal help

5) Maintenance = Successful at changing behaviour and attempting to maintain new skills
• Series of successes ± failures and continual approach to stay successful

6) Termination = Eradicated old behaviours through adopted behavioural changes and continue to maintain these positive changes
• Address challenges and obstacles threatening new changes and move on