Discussion responses 4 total

In the area of Clinical Psychology we progress most through evidence based practices. In this area psychologist assess the patient and figure out what the issue is, what caused it and what it is the patient is seeking to get out of treatment. “A knowledge of research skills supplemented by appropriate theory will allow a practitioner to provide objective evidence that an intervention is likely to be effective and will produce the outcomes that are predicted” (Davey, 2011). From there the therapist will research what has worked in the past with other patients and proceed with a tailored plan for the individual. There may be times where a Clinical Psychologist will have some trial and error which is how the field ultimately progresses through evidence based practices.

An example is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is used based on evidence of what has consistently worked with other individuals. Creating a good pattern of sleep hygiene is effective in treating Insomnia. Knowing this a therapist can use the same techniques with another individual and more than likely achieve the same outcome as what they have seen in the past. There may be times where a technique used to treat one disorder may work for another and by trial and error psychologists can find new treatments.

Davey, Graham. (2011). Applied Psychology. John Wiley & Sons, (UK).

Reponse 3

Karen is suffering from Major Depression.  According to our text depression is a mood disorder involving emotional, motivational, behavioral, physical and cognitive systems, which Karen is experiencing all of these symptoms.  The emotional experiences of depressed individuals are usually restricted to negative ones and these are often described as sad, hopeless, miserable dejected and discouraged.  Depressed individuals exhibit a range of motivational deficits, including a loss of interest of daily activities or hobbies. The most disabling symptoms of Major Depression is the cognitive features their thinking.  Karen is having suicidal thoughts she doesn’t care about herself or about the world around her.

Karen should be medicated with an antidepressant, with weekly visits of out patient therapy,  with mindfulness base cognitive therapy.

Examine how you would respond personally as a mental health professional and what your ethical duties are.
1. I must act in the best interests of services users.
2. I must respect the confidentiality of service users.
3. I must keep high standards of personal conduct.
4. I must my knowledge and skills up to date on all patients.

Davey, Graham (2011) Applied Psychology
Response 4

Karen confides in you that she feels “down” all the time. She feels hopeless, finds no enjoyment in life (sleep, food, sex, friends, etc.) and is having thoughts of suicide. Based on your study this week, address each of the following:

*  Identify if Karen is suffering from major depression or bipolar depression.

*  Defend your position with support from the reading noting definitions and key features.

*  Indicate what form of treatment would best serve Karen based on the literature.

*  Examine how you would respond personally as a mental health professional and your ethical duties are.

Karen is suffering from Major Depression because she has negative beliefs and an overwhelming feeling of hopelessness. She is having thoughts of suicide and she finds no joy in anything else. I define my position with the info I get from my textbook, which defines Major Depression as, (being associated with negative biases in ways of thinking and processing information). Davey, G. (2001).

I believe medicine is necessary as well as Social Skills training and some Mindful based cognitive therapy. (MBCT). As a mental health worker, I would talk about life with Karen and make an attempt to help her connect with the realities of the world. (We all experience challenges, and distress that will have a psychological impact on us). Davey, G. (2001). I believe it should be my moral duty to do whatever I can to stop her from taking her own life, and find some type of happiness in life, something that is important to her enough to elevate her spirit and give her a reason to want to live a quality life.

Davey, G. (2001) Applied Psychology .