Psychological Interventions Flashcards
What is a panic attack
A discrete period in which there is a sudden onset of fearfulness, often associated with the feeling of impending doom
What are the symptoms often associated with a panic attack
shortness of breath palpitations chest pain or discomfort choking smothering sensations Fear of “going crazy” or losing control are present.
What is agoraphobia
Agoraphobia may arise by the fear of having a panic attack in a setting from which escape is difficult (or embarrassing)
Develops as a complication of panic attacks
How does agoraphobia present
sufferers of agoraphobia avoid public and/or unfamiliar places, especially large, open, spaces where there are few ‘places to hide‘ or prevent easy escape
What is the goal of all psychotherapy
help people change maladaptive thoughts, feelings, and behaviour patterns
What are the major schools of psychological therapy
Psychodynamic therapy
Behavioural therapy
Cognitive therapy
What is psychodynamic therapy
There is an attempt to resolve conflict between the conscious, preconscious and unconscious
What do behavioural approaches to therapy believe
Maladaptive behaviours are not merely symptoms of underlying problems
The behaviours are the problem
Problem behaviours are learned in the same ways normal behaviours are
What is exposure approach influenced by
both classical and operant conditioning approaches
Describe the exposure approach to behavioural therapy
Treat phobias through exposure to the feared CS (i.e. car) in the absence of the UCS (i.e. accident)
Response prevention is used to keep the operant avoidant response from occurring
Highly effective for reducing anxiety responses
What is Clark’s cognitive theory of panic
Individuals with panic interpret certain bodily sensations in a catastrophic fashion
Sensations (esp. those involved in normal anxiety responses) are considered to be a sign of impending physical or psychological disaster
Draw a diagram to represent Clark;s cognitive theory of panic
Refer to notes
What does cognitive behavioural therapy focus on
problematic beliefs and behaviours that maintain disorders (‘here and now’ rather than original causes).
Describe CBT
Goal oriented i.e. Specific and measurable
Collaborative relationship between therapist and patient
Brief (8-16 sessions)
‘Scientific’ approach e.g. Collecting data, testing hypotheses
Give examples of CBT that would be used for a cardiac arrest
Psychoeducation Relaxation techniques Cognitive restructuring Behavioural experiments Graded exposure Relapse prevention
What is a depressive episode characterised by
a period of almost daily depressed mood or diminished interest in activities lasting at least two weeks
Give some symptoms of depression
difficulty concentrating, feelings of worthlessness
excessive or inappropriate guilt, hopelessness,
recurrent thoughts of death or suicide,
changes in appetite or sleep,
psychomotor agitation or retardation,
reduced energy or fatigue.
How effective is psychotherapy
There is a significant effect on outcome
Strongest evidence is for CBT
Differential effects of different therapies are small
What does NICE recommend CBT for
Mild to moderate depression Social anxiety PTSD Generalised anxiety disorder OCD Bulimia Panic disorder and specific phobia Schizophrenia
What questions does NICE recommend you ask people who may have depression
During the last month, have you often been bothered by feeling down, depressed or hopeless?
During the last month, have you often been bothered by having little interest or pleasure in doing things?
According to NICE guidelines, when are antidepressants NOT to be used and why
to treat persistent subthreshold depressive symptoms or mild depression because the risk–benefit ratio is poor
When are antidepressants considered
a past history of moderate or severe depression or
subthreshold depressive symptoms present for a long time or
subthreshold depressive symptoms or mild depression that persist(s) after other interventions.
