Psychological treatments for mental disorders

Question 1

Cognitive behaviour therapy techniques

Answer 1

focus more on problems and solutions rather than on understanding and uncovering

negative automatic thoughts and the cognitive distortions that underlie them are identified and then challenged

maladaptive behaviour patterns are identified and then challenged

Question 2

Name some examples of CBT adaptations

Answer 2

CBT with ERP for OCD
CBT for psychosis
Trauma-focussed CBT
CBT for eating disorders

Question 3

Name some ‘3rd wave’ CBT techniques

Answer 3

ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy)
DBT (dialectical behaviour therapy)
MBCT (mindfulness based cognitive behaviour therapy)

Question 4

Which conditions is there evidence for efficacy of CBT?

Answer 4

anxiety disorders
depression
somatoform disorders
eating disorders
anger control problems
general stress

Question 5

Describe DBT

Answer 5

evidence-based treatment for EUPD, borderline type
skills group + individual therapy + phone coaching
focusses on distress tolerance, emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness

Question 6

What is mindfulness?

Answer 6

practice of bringing one’s attention to the present moment without evaluation

used as a technique in MBCT, ACT and DBT

Question 7

Examples of systemic therapies

Answer 7

couples
family

Question 8

When are couple or family interventions recommended by NICE?

Answer 8

psychosis/schizophrenia
depression (adults + children)
eating disorders
substance misuse

Question 9

Describe psychodynamic psychotherapy

Answer 9

all mental events and behaviours have a cause, but sometimes this cause is not consciously available to the individual as a result of repression

behaviour and feelings as adults rooted in childhood experiences

generally a longer term intervention (1y+)
therapist offers interpretations, but largely avoids giving advice

Question 10

What is mentalisation?

Answer 10

ability to think about thinking
helps to make sense of our thoughts, beliefs, wishes and feelings and to link these to our actions and behaviours
also helps to make sense of the actions of others

Question 11

Describe interpersonal therapy

Answer 11

based on the principle that relationships and life events impact mood and that the reverse is also true
draws on elements of both psychodynamic approaches and CBT