Treatment of Psychological Disorders

History of Psychological Disorders Treatment

The study and understanding of psychological disorders have come a long way, and so has the treatment. When physicians first began finding treatments for psychological disorders, they often used a technique dating back to the ancient Greeks called bloodletting. The belief was that certain ailments could be treated by draining the body's fluids.

The history of the treatment of psychological disorders is a dark one. Many people with mental illnesses were treated inhumanely and were often accused of having a demonic possession.

Abandoned asylum, Freepik.com

In response to the horrible treatment people with mental disorders had to endure, churches started something called an asylum. Originally, asylums were meant to be a safe haven for people with psychological disorders. But over time, they became overcrowded, and rather than focusing on the treatment of psychological disorders, they became more like a place to send some of the most dangerous criminals.

One of the pioneers in the humane and moral treatment of people with psychological disorders was Dorthea Dix. Dix was a school teacher committed to a life-long humanitarian effort to ensure people with mental illness are treated with kindness and respect. As the field of psychology grew, more information about psychological disorders aided in creating treatments for psychological disorders.

Biomedical Therapy in the Treatment of Psychological Disorders

Biomedical therapy in treating psychological disorders seeks to make physiological changes to reduce psychological symptoms. This primarily includes medication but can also apply more invasive methods, such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and psychosurgery (lobotomy).

Medications

Medication works by altering the brain's functions to reduce symptoms, but they do not cure mental health disorders. Here are some common medications used to treat symptoms of disorders such as schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, and bipolar disorder.

Medications can treat psychological disorders, Pixabay.com

Selective Serotonin Inhibitors (SSRIs)

SSRIs function as antidepressants and are used to treat the symptoms associated with major depressive disorder (MDD). Their use increases the amount of serotonin in the brain by blocking its reabsorption back into your neurons.

Antipsychotics

Antipsychotic medications function to reduce symptoms of psychosis. People suffering from schizophrenia often experience auditory, visual, and tactile hallucinations as a symptom of their disorder. Antipsychotic medications work to regulate the amount of dopamine and serotonin in the patient's brain. Antipsychotics are the only way to treat schizophrenia effectively, as the main symptoms of schizophrenia originate from a chemical imbalance in the brain. Patients with schizophrenia can present with mild to severe symptoms, and their dosage needs to be adjusted accordingly. Also, people with schizophrenia may not remember to take a pill every day and need alternative methods. Lucky enough, antipsychotics are also offered as an intramuscular monthly injection.

Freud's Approach to the Treatment of Psychological Disorders

Freud's approach to treating psychological disorders is the basis of the psychoanalytic approach to therapy. Psychoanalytic therapy is a form of talk therapy that explores how the unconscious mind influences our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Psychodynamic therapy, a branch of Freud's psychoanalytic theory, also seeks to uncover how past childhood events or trauma are causing psychological disorders.

This form of therapy relies heavily on the communication of the patient's feelings, thoughts, and past experiences. One of the main techniques Freud liked to use in psychoanalysis was dream interpretation because he believed dreams are a map to a person's subconscious. Other techniques include free association and transference.

Cognitive Approach to Treatment of Psychological Disorders

The cognitive approach to the treatment of psychological disorders is based on the assumption that negative or distorted thoughts cause psychological disorders. Cognitive therapy, therefore, focuses on managing and changing these thoughts.

One technique used in the cognitive approach to treating psychological disorders is psychoeducation, in which the therapist educates the patient about their condition. Psychoeducation can provide a helpful perspective to patients, allowing them to begin uncovering and understanding their distorted thoughts causing psychological distress. Once these beliefs are revealed, they can be tested and finally changed.

An effective type of cognitive therapy is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) which combines the cognitive approach with the behavioral approach to treating psychological disorders. Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is based on the core belief that patients can improve their symptoms if they change how they think and behave. CBT strives to promote healthy coping mechanisms and problem-solving skills.

Psychological Treatment for Mental Illness

A patient can be a part of many forms of therapy. Typically, the most common form of psychological treatment for mental illness is psychotherapy, including group therapy, cognitive therapy, behavior therapy, and client-centered therapy. The form of therapy a patient is referred to depends on their personal preference and presenting symptoms. Let's take a look at some of these forms of therapy more closely.

Group Therapy

Group therapy is a form of therapy that involves one mental health professional and a group of people with similar experiences. For example, a person with past trauma may attend a trauma group for therapy. It typically consists of peer members discussing their thoughts and history with their trauma. The mental health professional asks members to share their thoughts and will discuss the person's story to gain the perspectives of other group members. Group therapy is most beneficial for patients who demonstrate a need for social support.

Group therapy, Freepik.com

Cognitive Therapy

Cognitive therapy works to improve a person's cognition. Typically, it is a one-on-one session with the patient and the mental health professional. In a cognitive therapy session, the provider will work with the patient to reframe or replace distorted thoughts that may be causing feelings of depression or anxiety. A cognitive therapist promotes the mind and body connection and may encourage their patients to try meditating, taking walks, or cleaning their homes.

Behavior Therapy

Behavior therapy works to improve a patient's behavior. This form of treatment may be used for people with schizophrenia as severe forms of psychosis can alter a person's behavior and their sense of what behavior is appropriate in public settings. A behavior therapist works with the patient to help them learn the difference between healthy and unhealthy behaviors.

Client-Centered Therapy

Client-centered therapy is a type of therapy that seeks to help people find their way to self-actualization through a non-directive approach.

The goal of using a non-directive approach in client-centered therapy is to create an environment of trust with the client. This enables the client to find healing within themselves and have a sense of ownership in their own treatment. Ideally, the client should walk away feeling empowered and capable of helping themselves. Common techniques used in client-centered therapy are active listening and unconditional positive regard.