Psychodynamic theoriesExplain the development of mental or
emotional processes and their effects on behaviour and relationships.
Helped form the basis for interpersonal intervention including therapeutic relationships, transference and empathy.
Psychodynamic modelsPsychoanalytic (Freud)
individual psychoanalysis Concept of ego, unconscious mental
processes
Neo-FreudianDevelopment of other forms of psychoanalysis
Humanistic theoriesFocus is on the individual ability to learn
about and accept themselvesTherapy involves exploration of personal
capabilities and self-worthRogers client-centred therapyGestaltMaslow hierarchy of needs
Cognitive-Behavioural theoriesFocus is how people think and act, not on
explaining mental disordersSome theorists:
Pavlov, Watson, Skinner, Beck, Bandura
Intervention based on behavioural theories is widespread in psychiatryPatient educationCoping skills trainingIn-patient – privilege system/token economy
Developmental theoriesExplain normal human growth and developmentTheories are presented in terms of stagesUsed to understand childhood and adolescentexperiences and their manifestation in adult
problemsMost of these theories assume development is
linearNot tested, nor consider gender or culture, so
limited applicabilityErickson – adolescence and identityJean Piaget
Social TheoriesSocial and socio-cultural theories important
in assessment of individuals and families.Intervention maybe based on family and
cultural normsInforms group interventionsSome theories:
Familiy dynamicsSocial supportRole theoriesSociocultural perspectives – transcultural care
Biological theories (Medical Model)
GenecticsFamily studies – relatives of an individual with
a mental disorder are more likely to develop the disorder
Twin studies – monozygotic (identical) – more likely that if one twin develops a mental disorder the other twin is more likely to also develop the disorder
Brain Neurochemistry
Abnormality of the neurotransmitter systemToo much or too little of a specific
neurotransmitterProblems related to inadequate synthesis or
reuptakePsychiatric drugs alter synaptic levels of
neurotransmitters
Structural and functional brain abnormalities
Advances in brain imaging techniques, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET), have enabled scientists to study the role of brain structure in mental illness.
Some studies have revealed structural brain abnormalities in certain mental illnesses. For example, some people with schizophrenia have enlarged brain ventricles
However, this may be a result of schizophrenia rather than a cause, and not all people with schizophrenia show this abnormality
Stress-vulnerability model“Vulnerability” refers to our basic susceptibility
to mental health problems. This is determined by our genetic makeup and
our early life experiences. It is affected by our use of medications, and our
likelihood of using alcohol or drugs. “Stress” refers to the challenges faced in our
lives. Stress is affected by our coping skills, social
support, and involvement in meaningful activities
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