Psychological Therapies

Question 1

Examples of psychological therapies

Answer 1

cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
Behavioural activation
interpersonal therapy (IPT)
motivational interviewing (MI)

Question 2

Features of CBT

Answer 2

how our behaviour relates to our feelings and behaviour
particularly good for
- depression, anxiety, phobias, OCD, PTSD
focus on the here and now
short term
problem focused, goal orientated
identifies thoughts, feelings and behaviours
assess whether thoughts are unrealistic/unhelpful
identify what can change
“homework”
- graded exposure
- response prevention

Question 3

What could be an issue with CBT?

Answer 3

The patient has to be motivated

Question 4

Behavioural activation features

Answer 4

focuses on avoided activities
- as a guide for activity scheduling
client taught to analyse unintended consequences of their way of responding
collaboration/empathetic/non-judgemental
small changes to build long term goals

Question 5

Types of avoidance in depression

Answer 5

Social withdrawal 
- avoiding friends 
- not answering phone
Non-social avoidance
- not taking on challenging tasks 
- sitting around the house
- excessive time in bed
Cognitive avoidance 
- not thinking about relationship problems 
- not making decisions about future 
- not being serious about work/studies 
avoidance by distraction 
- crap TV
- games
- gambling
- comfort eating
- excessive exercise
emotional avoidance
- use of alcohol/other substances

Question 6

Features of IPT

Answer 6

time limited 12-16 weeks
focussed on the present 
used for depression and anxiety (as good for depression as CBT)
no formal homework so may be preferable
focus area - depressive symptoms related to interpersonal events 
goals
- reduce depressive symptoms
- improve interpersonal functioning 
requires the ability to reflect

Question 7

What is motivational interviewing for?

Answer 7

Treating problem drinkers

Question 8

Features of MI

Answer 8

Used when behaviour change is being considered, when patient may be unmotivated or ambivalent to change
express empathy
avoid argument
support self efficacy

Question 9

stages of change

Answer 9

1. pre contemplation
2. contemplation
3. planning/determination
4. action
5. maintenance

Question 10

Definition of stigma

Answer 10

A social construction that devalues people due to a distinguishing characteristic or mark

Question 11

What does stigma lead to?

Answer 11

discriminatory practices

Question 12

definition of discrimination

Answer 12

the actual behaviour towards another group. it involves excluding or restricting members of one group from opportunities that are available in other groups

Question 13

Features of stigma

Answer 13

Attitudes develop in early childhood
Stable over many years
Influenced by personal experience 
older males, less education 
tolerance depends on closeness of interaction