Psychological Therapies

Question 1

Describe how exposure therapy works.

Answer 1

Treat phobias through exposure to the feared CS (e.g. car) in the absence 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

Draw the cognitive model of panic disorder.

Answer 4

Cognitive model of panic disorder

Question 5

Outline how cognitive therapy works.

Answer 5

Focuses on problematic beliefs and behaviours that maintain disorders 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) Key Components: thoughts, emotions and behaviour

Question 6

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

Answer 6

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

Question 7

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

Answer 7

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

Question 8

Examples of physiological therapies

Answer 8

CBT Cognitive analytical therapy Humanistic therapy Family and couple therapy