Psychological Therapies Affecting Human Behavior

COURSE : INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY (PSY 150) CREDIT HOURS : 3 CREDITS SEMESTER/SESSION : 2st SEMESTER, 2021/2022 SESSION PREPARED BY : ROBIN ARKIN LECTURE NOTES Electroconvulsive Therapy Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a medical treatment for serious mental health conditions, typically major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia. ECT involves using an electric current to induce a brief seizure in the brain, which can lead to changes in brain chemistry that help improve symptoms of mental illness. During an ECT session, the patient is given a general anesthetic and a muscle relaxant to prevent injury during the seizure. Electrodes are then placed on the scalp and a controlled electrical current is passed through the brain, usually for 20-60 seconds. The seizure lasts less than a minute and the patient is carefully monitored throughout the session. ECT is often used as a last resort when other treatments such as drugs and psychotherapy are ineffective. It can be effective in treating severe or treatment-resistant mental health conditions, especially in cases where rapid relief of symptoms is needed, such as cases of suicidal ideation. Although ECT can be effective, it is not without risks. Side effects may include temporary memory loss, confusion, headache, nausea, and muscle pain. Rarely, more serious complications such as cardiovascular complications or damage from a seizure can occur. ECT is usually given as a series of treatments over several weeks, and the exact number of treatments required can vary depending on the individual and the severity of their condition. ECT is a highly specialized treatment that is only available in certain medical facilities and is usually administered only by trained professionals. If you are considering ECT as a treatment option, it is important to discuss the potential benefits and risks with your mental health provider. Psychotherapy Psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, is a form of mental health treatment that involves talking with a trained mental health professional to address emotional and psychological issues and promote positive change. or thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Psychotherapy can be helpful for a variety of mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders, depression, personality disorders, trauma-related disorders, and more. During psychotherapy sessions, the therapist helps the patient examine his thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and identify patterns and factors that may be contributing to his difficulties. The therapist may use a variety of techniques and interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, or humanistic therapy, depending on the needs and preferences of the patient. Psychotherapy can be provided to individuals, groups or families, and the length and frequency of sessions can vary depending on the needs of the patient and the treatment method. Some psychotherapy methods are more focused on addressing specific symptoms, while others focus on exploring deeper emotional and psychological issues. Research shows that psychotherapy can be an effective treatment for a variety of psychiatric conditions and can improve symptoms, improve functioning, and improve quality of life. It also helps patients develop skills and resilience to better manage stress and challenges in their lives. It's important to remember that psychotherapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and finding the right therapist and treatment method can take time and effort. It is important to work with a qualified mental health professional and be open and honest about your treatment needs and goals. Psychosurgery Psychosurgery, also called neurosurgery for mental disorders or neuroablative surgery, is a type of surgical treatment for serious psychiatric conditions that involves removing or destroying parts of the brain thought to be causing symptoms. Psychosurgery is a very invasive and irreversible procedure and is only used as a last resort when all other treatments such as drugs and psychotherapy have failed. The procedure is usually reserved for severe and untreated psychiatric conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and major depressive disorder. The most commonly used form of psychosurgery is called a lobotomy, where part of the frontal lobes of the brain are cut off or scraped off. The method was first introduced in the 1930s and was widely used to treat mental health conditions by the mid-20th century. However, this method is not preferred because of the high risk of complications and side effects, including cognitive impairment, personality changes, and even death. Psychosurgery is rarely used and only a small number of highly specialized medical centers offer the procedure. Instead, other treatments, such as deep brain stimulation, are often used to target specific areas of the brain and improve symptoms of mental illness. It is important to remember that psychosurgery is a controversial treatment, and its safety, efficacy, and ethical implications are constantly debated. The decision to undergo psychosurgery should be made in consultation with a qualified mental health professional and all other treatment options should be carefully considered before proceeding.