Psychological Therapies

Question 1

Describe how exposure therapy works.

Answer 1

• Treat phobias through exposure to the feared CS (e.g. car) in theabsence 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 (Clarke 1986)

Answer 4

1. Internal/External Trigger
arrow to
2. Perceived Threat
arrow to
3. Anxiety
arrow to
4. Physical/Cognitive symptoms
arrow to
5. Misinterpretation 
arrow back to Anxiety

Question 5

Outline how cognitive therapy works.

Answer 5

• Focuses on problematic beliefs and behaviour 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

Cognitive behavioural Psychotherapy:

• 80% significant effect.
• Focuses on problematic beliefs and behaviours.

Drugs:

• Do not use antidepressants routinely to treat persistent mild depression.
• Antidepressants for people with history of moderate/ severe depression or mild depression persisting after other interventions.

(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

What is a depressive episode characterised by?

Answer 8

a period of almost daily depressed mood or diminished interest in activities lasting at least two weeks

Question 9

What are some key diagnostic symptoms of depression?

Answer 9

• Difficulty concentrating
  
  • Worthlessness
  • Excessive/ inappropriate guilt
  • Hopelessness
  • Death/ Suicidal thoughts
  • Changes in appetite or sleep
  • Fatigue