Psychological Therapies

Question 1

What percentage of the population are affected by the common mental health disorders?

Answer 1

15%

Question 2

What are the common mental health disorders?

Answer 2

• Affective/anxiety disorders (MDD, GAD, OCD, panic disorders)
• Substance misuse disorders (alcohol, tobacco, recreational drugs)
• Disorders of reaction to psychological stress (PTSD)

Question 3

What guidelines can be used for psychological therapies?

Answer 3

SIGN
NICE
MATRIX (gives specific information on psychological therapies and strength of evidence of efficacy)

Question 4

What are the four main psychological therapies?

Answer 4

• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Behavioral activation
• Interpersonal therapy
• Motivational interviewing

Question 5

How does CBT work?

Answer 5

Cognitive behavioral therapy is focused on how our thoughts relate to our feelings and behaviors. It is problem-focused, goal centered and has a focus on the present
The therapist helps the client identify thoughts/feelings and assess whether these are unrealistic/unhelpful (thought error). The client then engages in “homework” which challenges these thought errors, which can involve exposure therapy

Question 6

What disorders is CBT most useful in?

Answer 6

Depression
Anxiety
Phobias
OCD
PTSD

Question 7

How does behavioural activation work?

Answer 7

Behavioral activation focuses on activities that people may avoid due to depression or anxiety. There is a focus on what predicts and maintains an unhelpful response to an activity and the client is taught to analyse unintended consequences of their way of responding. It should be collaborative and non-judgemental and involve small changes that are built to long term goals.

Question 8

What disorders is behavioural activation most useful in?

Answer 8

Depression

Anxiety

Question 9

How does interpersonal therapy work?

Answer 9

It is time limited (12-16 weeks) and is focused on the present. It involves talking about how mood is affected by interpersonal events

Question 10

What disorders is interpersonal therapy most useful in?

Answer 10

Depression

Anxiety

Question 11

What are the pros of interpersonal therapy?

Answer 11

• A grade evidence for treating depression
• No formal homework – may be preferable
• Client can continue to practise skills beyond the sessions ending

Question 12

What are the cons of interpersonal therapy?

Answer 12

• Requires degree of ability to reflect – may be difficult for some
• Where poor social networks – limited interpersonal support

Question 13

How does motivational interviewing work?

Answer 13

Can be used anywhere that a behavioural change is desired. It is more affective than advice giving and can be used when the patient is unmotivated or ambivalent to change. The principles of motivational interviewing are to express empathy, avoid argument and support self-efficacy