SLO #8: Evaluate the use of biomedical, individual and group
approaches to treatment of one disorder
Slide 2
Quick Review List the approaches to treatment of psychological
disorders What are the key assumptions for each Which approach do
you think would be the most effective treatment for an individual
with depression? Explain why?
Slide 3
What exactly are we doing? S.L.O 8: Evaluate the use of
biomedical, individual and group approaches to the treatment of one
disorder Command Term: Evaluate requires you to make an appraisal
by weighing up the strengths and limitations. So you are: 1)
Critically look at the strengths and limitations of each approach
to treating depression 2) Make a judgement of the effectiveness
each of the three approaches to the treatment of depression.
Slide 4
Biomedical Approach to Treatment Drug Treatment: Used to
increase/decrease the levels of available NTs in synaptic gap. Have
calming/energizing effects on behaviour depending on NT drug is
targeting. Antidepressant drugs are used to elevate the mood of
people suffering from depression. Selective Serotonin Re-uptake
Inhibitors (SSRIs): Increase the level of available serotonin by
preventing its re-uptake in the synapse Ex. Prozac
Slide 5
Biomedical Approach to Treatment ECT Electroconvulsive therapy
Small circuit passed through brain 1sec Activates the brain &
induces convulsive seizure 30- 60 secs For optimal effectiveness
requires 3-15 treatments Bilateral treatments more effective but
more side effects than unilateral treatments Only appropriate for
individuals where other forms of treatment have failed.
Controversial therapy
Slide 6
Biomedical Approach to Treatment of Depression Advantages Drug
Therapy: -Effective way to treat depression in short term,
significantly helping 60-80% of people according to some reports
-Reducing the number of hospital inpatients who are being treated
for psychological disorders (but.what else might cause reduction in
numbers?) -May help to prevent suicide in depressed patients.
Slide 7
Biomedical Approach to Depression Disadvantages: Side effects:
ST soreness, vomiting, nausea,insomnia, sexual dysfunction, or
headaches. Does not constitute a cure as shown by high relapse rate
Not equally effective in all cases. ECT can cause brain damage,
memory loss and reduced cognitive function Can be used as a means
of social control over uncooperative patients. Study: Kirsch and
Spirstein (1998) analyzed results of 19 studies and found
antidepressants only 25% more effective than placebos and no more
effective than other kinds of drugs, like tranquilizers
Slide 8
Disadvantages of drug therapy cont. Kirsch et al. (2008)
reviewed 47 clinical trials published by US FDA on effectiveness of
antidepressants. Medical treatment was not more effective than a
placebo. Kirsch: medication only prescribed to most depressed
patients or if alternates fail Leuchter and Witte (2002) support
Kirsch. - brain scans NIMH study (Elkin et al. 1989) one of the
best controlled outcome studies in depression. No difference in
effectiveness of CBT, IPT and drug treatment
Slide 9
Biomedical Approach to Treatment Appraisal: So what is the
overall judgment that can be made about the biomedical approach to
treating depression? This is a good method of treating only the
most severe cases of depression and other approaches to the
treatment of this disorder should be administered first.
Slide 10
Group Approach to Treatment of Depression Marital therapies -
Strong link between depression and marital problems Focus on
teaching couples to communicate and problem-solve more effectively,
while increasing positive, pleasurable interactions Effective for
treating symptoms of depression esp. in women Traditional Group
Therapy Patients talk about and listen to others experiences about
depression. Individuals are encouraged and feel that they are not
alone in their battle with depression
Slide 11
Group Approach to Treatment 4 Factors to consider in group
therapy: 1) Group Cohesion: No one person seen as different from
the rest. A sense of belonging is fostered 2) Exclusion: It is
important to consider if there are any characteristics that should
be excluded from the group. For ex. Current substance abusers,
married men or people with certain health concern 3)
Confidentiality: It is important to create an environment were
people trust that they can speak feely in the group. 4)
Relationship with therapist: It is essential that therapist show
empathy for the members of the group and attempt to understand
their reality.
Slide 12
Group Approach to Treating Depression In groups of 3-4 evaluate
and appraise the group approaches to the treatment of depression.
Make sure that evaluations are written down for future use search
for studies in OneNote document or texts which help in your
evaluation
Slide 13
Group Approach to Treatment -See general evaluation of it from
last class Particularly related to Depression: Toseland and Siporin
(1986) reviewed 74 studies comparing individual and group
treatment. McDermut et al. (2001) meta-analytic review of the
effectiveness of group psychotherapy in treatment of depression But
there was a difference found between these two meta- analyses.what
was it? Why? So many more variables to consider in group
therapy
Slide 14
Individual Approach to Treatment Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
(CBT): 1)Helps client to change faulty thinking patterns and
underlying schemas. Beck - 6 patterns of faulty thinking which lead
one to dysfunctional behaviour. Arbitrary inference: Drawing wrong
conclusions about oneself by making invalid connections. (Ex. When
it rains only I have bad luck the world is against me) Selective
abstraction: Focusing on a single part of a whole (Ex. I have large
thighs therefore I am fat) Exaggeration: overestimating
significance of negative events (Ex. shortness of breath after
exercising think it is a sign of imminent death )
Slide 15
Individual Approach to Treatment Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
(CBT) Personalization: Assuming others behaviour is done with
intention of hurting you. Dichotomous thinking: An all or nothing
approach to viewing the world. Ex. If you dont get an A on a test
you have failed 2) Helps client to develop coping strategies,
problem solving skills, and to engage in behavioural
activation.
Slide 16
Individual Approach to Treatment IPT Interpersonal Therapy
Therapist helps patient explore how relationships and social roles
may be contributing to depression. Helps client develop and use
positive social support networks they have in their life. Therapist
seeks to address deficient social and interpersonal skills that may
have lead to depression.
Slide 17
Individual Approach to Treatment Evaluation Activity: In new
groups, maximum 3 people, discuss how effective cognitive therapy
is in treating depression. Use the OneNote document as well as your
texts to guide you. Make sure that evaluations are written down for
future use. - Indicate the studies you think would be best to use
for this
Slide 18
Closing Activity: Facebook Page 1)Create a Facebook company
page through word or on A4 paper that includes the following:
Background picture and profile picture Name and type of company Two
general wall posts that relate to your company. (Exs: memes facts,
or events) Two specific wall posts that must incorporate
evaluations of individual therapy as well as ability of this
therapy to effectively treat Depression. (Exs Mission statement,
company description etc.) Designer Compiles all information onto
one word document in the form of a Facebook page Make sure to
divide the tasks equally among group members.
Slide 19
Homework: Create an IB LAQ (essay) outline answering the
following question. Evaluate the use of biomedical, individual and
group approaches to the treatment of one disorder. Some Empirical
Evidence: Leuchter and Witte (2002) (Biomedical) CC P.173 Elkin et
al. (1989) (Biomedical) CC P.173 Riggs (CBT) CC. P.176 Toseland and
Siporin (1986) (Group) CC P. 177
