Abstract This paper is an examination of ElectroshockTherapy in the treatment of mental health problems. It focuses on the negative societal views that are held about Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and gives a history of its use. The writer argues that there is much ignorance surrounding ECT and that the misuse of the treatment have led to misunderstandings about its effectiveness. In conclusion the paper presents ECT as an effective treatment for severe mental illness. It maintains that despite being viewed negatively by the public it is a valuable treatment particularly in cases where speed of treatment is necessary.
From the Paper "In the field of mental health, an area of medicine already associated with very negative societal views, there are few treatment methods more negatively perceived than electroshock, or more commonly, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). A recent study by two British doctors, published in the Journal of ECT, provided concrete representation of these negative attitudes. After viewing twenty-two films that included scenes of ECT made between 1948 and 2000, the authors concluded the treatment was first shown as a "severe but helpful" remedy for mental illness (McDonald and Walter)."
Abstract This paper studies ECT (Electroconvulsive therapy), the history of when and how it was used. The paper also discusses the role of ethics in deciding whether to use ECT, including teleological, deontological and virtue-based theories. The paper elaborates on particular ethical principles, such as non-maleficence, beneficence, autonomy and justice.
From the Paper "This paper is a discussion of the question: Should electroconvulsive therapy be used to alleviate symptoms of mental illness? Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) was originally called electroshock therapy when it was first introduced as a treatment for severe cases of psychopathology in the 1930s. The process consists of administering varying jolts of electricity to the patient, jolts which interfere with the body's natural electrical transmissions and disrupt the patient's behavior. Early use of such therapy was extremely primitive, and electroshock fell out of favor with both the medical community and the general public. More recent research into the functioning of the brain has renewed interest in ECT as a means of treating some forms of mental illness, especially depression. This paper will argue that, despite some glowing reports sparked by this renewed..."
Abstract This paper traces the different uses of electroconvulsive shock therapy (ECT) in psychiatry since its discovery and first use in the 1930s. The author details the many myths and miscocnceptions of ECT and details how this treatment has been a leading method used in the treatment of many different types of mental illness including depression, schizophrenia and eating disorders. The problems associated with the use of ECT at different points in history are discussed and the methods used to combat these problems in order to make it more affective are also detailed in this paper. ECT has also been the subject of many different movies that has made it into a method of treatment that is frightening to many people. The author also discusses some alternate methods of treating some types of mental illness.
From the Paper "Despite patient reports and documented research studies some professionals continue to object to the use of ECT as a treatment for mental disorder. They feel that the negative side effects are often more detrimental to the patient's health than the mental disorder itself. One psychologist, John Breeding, PhD, has also raised ethical issues relating to "informed consent". He argues that professionals in the psychology field have deliberately deceived patients by not providing enough information for the patients to make an informed choice about ECT "guidelines for the administration of ECT are routinely and systematically violated." (Breeding 2000). He also puts forth the claim that informed consent in ECT can?t be fully obtained by someone in the grip of a serious mental disorder: ??people become victims of this so-called "treatment" at a time in life when they are extremely vulnerable.? (Breeding 2000)."
Abstract This paper presents a critique of a paper describing the use of electroconvulsive therapy for adolescents with severe mood disorders. It makes the case for using the therapy and presents some parameters which should be followed to guide its use.
From the Paper "This paper looks at the use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in adolescents with severe mood disorders. The paper begins with a short introduction followed by an executive summary, which is repeated again later in the paper in an expanded form after the literature review in a version which is about half as long again as the executive summary. The executive summary does not seem to be much of a summary being as long as it is and seems superfluous since it is hardly any shorter than the full body..."
An overview of cognitive behavior therapy, focusing on the roles of the therapist and patient and how it compares to other therapies used in psychology.
3,720 words (approx. 14.9 pages), 6 sources, 2006, $ 133.95
Abstract This paper discusses cognitive behavioral therapy and the elements of its practice. It also explores the therapist and patient roles of cognitive behavioral therapy, and how it relates to other therapies currently used in psychology. Adlerian therapy, person centered therapy, existential therapy, Gestalt therapy, reality therapy, solution oriented brief therapy, multi-modal therapy, feminist therapy, and rational emotion behavior therapy are discussed and contrasted to traditional cognitive behavioral therapy. Through these comparisons a focus on the central characteristics of these therapies is evident, providing a framework for patients and professionals to determine which therapy would be most effective for the needs of particular patients.
Abstract Distinguishing between types of therapies is beneficial for those seeking to make change within social settings with specific or unique needs. Family centered therapies are one of the many different therapy strategies that can be applied to facilitate change. However while individual therapy tends to be defined as a relationship between two individuals with the purpose of achieving therapeutic change, the family systems therapy approach takes a more integrated process towards the close social units in which the individual seeking therapy resides. This paper identifies differences between the traditional individual therapy style of therapy and the family systems therapy approach.
Abstract This paper details the benefits of solution focused brief therapy (SFBT), which was introduced as an alternative method of treatment, which could be accomplished in a shorter period of time, as opposed to the more traditional forms of long-term therapy and psychoanalysis. The writer contends and explains why SFBT is significantly more efficient in terms of time, scope and cost when compared to long-term therapy. This paper delves into the literature and research published on this particular form of therapy. This paper cites the various techniques involved in successfully implementing SFBT. This paper discusses the advantages of SFBT and success rates attained in both family and couples therapy, while also citing various experts in the field who oppose this particular form of treatment.
From the Paper "Miracle questions are created to provide the therapist a 'preview' of how the patient views his/her future life. These questions engage patients by allowing them to contemplate about specific possibilities that may happen in their lives. Questions may be hypothetical situations that focus on the individual's action when confronted with mundane events followed after by thought-provoking inquiries by the therapist. This technique probes into the patient's capability to think about alternative solutions to specific life situations or problems, enabling the therapist to come up with a suggested resolution that is within the understanding of the patient. This also makes the patient feel that s/he had an active role in the solution-making process that took place during the therapy. Scaling is a more quantitative means by which problems are assessed by the therapist."
Abstract This paper discusses various approaches to therapy and how anxiety and depression are affected by them. The paper looks at the beliefs of cognitive therapy, behavioral therapy, Freud's psychodynamic therapy, and then discusses new approaches to therapy that incorporate all of these methods. The paper concludes that a mixture of all therapies is best when dealing with the individual patient.
From the Paper "The individual patient may handle crisis situations in varying ways. Therefore, determining which method of treatment will depend on the patient's cognitive patterns, actions and behavior, and the core beliefs that are developed in the patient prior to treatment. As these issues are focused upon, the therapist can begin to aid the patient toward recovery from the most common disorders introduced into the therapy situation - depression and anxiety. Therefore, it is not just one therapy that is best suited to every patient. Answers for treatment may be identified in each of the predominant forms of therapy that are available today. Sigmund Freud believed that depression was often the result of loss in a patient's life. Freud contended that the loss subconsciously felt by the patient generally occurred during childhood, and oftentimes was a forfeiture that was not recalled in adulthood ("Explanations")."
Abstract This paper discusses Carl Rogers' non-directive approach to therapy, in which the client has control of the direction of the therapy session. The paper examines the roots of humanistic therapy in Carl Rogers' approach and then examines humanistic therapy as it pertains to Rogers' approach. Next, the paper discusses the conditions necessary for positive therapeutic results in client-centered therapy, as propounded by Rogers.
From the Paper "Rogers puts forward some conditions that are necessary for there to be positive therapeutic results in client-centered therapy. These include, the counselor should operate from the premise that the client has a responsibility for himself or herself and also has the willingness for maintaining that responsibility; the client desires to be mature and socially well adjusted and will rely on this to achieve therapeutic change. The counselor should also create a climate where the client feels free to express their feelings and attitudes regardless of their absurdity. Limits can only be set on behavior and not on attitudes, which is a child perhaps may feel like breaking a window but he should not be allowed to actually break the window. The counselor's acceptance of the client's attitudes should involve neither disapproval nor approval of the client's attitudes and feelings. This understanding is conveyed best by seeking clarification where necessary. Finally, the counselor should refrain from actions like probing, giving advice, providing reassurance, apportioning blame and giving suggestions (Ryan, 2008; Green, 2000)."
Tags: non-directive therapy, psychotherapy, carl rogers, humanistic psychology, counseling
Abstract This paper studies the similarities and differences between two non-traditional, therapeutic approaches: Solution-Focused Therapy and Narrative Therapy. The paper examines the origins and efficacy of these two models of therapy.
From the Paper "In recent years both solution-focused and narrative therapies have been used extensively to help diverse populations..."
Abstract This paper looks at the problem of HIV/AIDS and the issue of complementary nutritional therapies that can be used to slow its progression and boost the immune system of HIV/AIDS patients. The paper also discusses the implications of utilizing these therapies and gives recommendations how to implement complementary nutritional therapies for HIV/AIDS. The paper discusses these treatments and also looks at how HIV/AIDS symptoms can be affected by proper nutrition and nutritional therapies and what kind of prevalence is noted with reduction of symptoms of HIV/AIDS when proper nutrition and nutritional therapies are employed.
Table of Contents:
Chapter 1 - Introduction to the Problem
Statement of the Problem
Background
Research Question
Hypothesis
Significance of the Study
Definition of Terms
Summary
Chapter 2 -- Review of Related Literature and Research
Introduction
Literature Review
Summary
Chapter 3 -- Results and Findings
Introduction
Analysis of Data
Findings
Summary
Chapter 4 -- Conclusions, Implications, and Recommendations for Further Research
Conclusions and Implications
Summary
From the Paper "Although it would appear that the government in general is doing little to help communities from being completely decimated by the HIV/AIDS virus, there are some HIV/AIDS prevention measures that are being undertaken by some areas of the government that may apply to many individuals. In general, however, most of the information given is not culture specific and therefore will not apply well to some individuals and their cultural beliefs and feelings. The government is also lacking in getting the message out regarding what should be done once the virus is contracted and there has been almost nothing from the government regarding complementary nutritional therapies. Some of this information is important here, however, because it indicates what makes an HIV/AIDS program successful and may be helpful to educators in the future as they work toward finding various ways to get the treatment information out there to more people."
Abstract This paper evaluates current research about group therapy, in particular the advantages and the disadvantages of having the same sex individuals in one single group. The writer examines the types of groups that exist for therapy, including those focused on a single issue, such as illness. The author discusses the goals of group therapy, which include creating and maintaining healthy relationships. The author concludes that group therapy is more positive when both sexes participate, as the purpose of group therapy is ultimately to train the patient for a future that will enable him to lead a normal and productive life in the outside world.
From the Paper "One case example can be studied to illustrate exactly how, when a member of the opposite sex joined a group of the same sex, in this case, a group of women, the entire tenor and the very tone of the group underwent a drastic change. The case is about a group of four women, with a woman group leader. These women found that they were able to share their feelings with openness and honesty, and that they were able to express a wide range of feelings amongst themselves. However, all the women would joke amongst themselves about when a man would enter the group, and when it was announced that a man would soon be joining their group, almost all the women immediately associated their feelings about the men in their lives, perhaps a violent boyfriend, or an abusive brother, or a chauvinistic father, with this man. (Alonso; Swiller, 1993)"
Abstract In this paper aversion therapy is studied as a therapy employed in the treatment of alcoholism, smoking, compulsive gambling, and sexual deviations. Aversion therapies are described and critically assessed. Many deficiencies are pointed out and suggestions for improvements are made. It is suggested that the future of aversion therapy lies in the complete comprehension of the procedure.
From the Paper "A therapy, which employs classical conditioning, is known as aversion therapy. In aversion therapy a negative emotional reaction is conditioned to a maladaptive behavior that a subject perceives as pleasurable (Liebert & Spiegler, 1998, p. 516). In this approach the problem behavior, known as the conditioned stimulus (CS), is paired with the unconditioned stimulus (UCS). The unconditioned stimulus (UCS) can be administered in such forms as chemical or electrical aversion. The unconditioned stimulus (UCS) results in the unconditioned response (UCR), which may be anxiety, fear or nausea. After numerous pairings of the problem behavior (CS) with the aversion therapy (UCS) the problem behavior (CS) will elicit fear, anxiety or nausea (CR). "
This paper analyzes a therapy session with a social worker, illustrating the social worker's apparent bias towards one of the patients, and criticizing other practices of the social worker.
Abstract This paper analyzes a therapy session with a social worker. It speaks of the social worker's apparent bias towards one of the patients, and criticizes other practices of the social worker. It goes on to describe certain behavioral therapy techniques that might be appropriate to the case such as rational emotive therapy and family counseling. It also brings in the problem of cross-cultural therapeutic relationships.
From the Paper "In seeking to find the best way to work with a patient, sometimes the most important decision that must be made is in selecting the most appropriate framework within with to analyze and treat that patient. This selection must be based both upon the therapists own overarching beliefs on which strategies are in general most helpful and most ethical as well as the particular needs of the patient at hand. This usually requires extending a high degree of empathy to the client; however when working with more than one client this can prove problematic as was the case here."
