Psychotherapy is as effective as psychopharmacology
Many studies have found that psychotherapy is as effective as psychopharmacology in terms of influencing changes in behaviors, symptoms of anxiety, and changes in mental state. Changes influenced by psychopharmacology can be explained by the biological basis of treatments. But how does psychotherapy achieve these changes? Does psychotherapy share common neuronal pathways with psychopharmacology?
Psychotherapy is used with individuals as well as in groups or families. The idea of discussing confidential information with a patient in front of an audience is probably quite foreign to you. However, in group and family therapy, this is precisely what the psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner does. In your role, learning how to provide this type of therapy within the limits of confidentiality is essential.
For this Discussion, you will consider whether psychotherapy also has a biological basis and analyze the ways in which legal and ethical considerations differ in the individual, family, and group therapy settings.
To prepare:
• Review this week’s Learning Resources, reflecting on foundational concepts of psychotherapy, biological and social impacts on psychotherapy, and legal and ethical issues across the modalities (individual, family, and group).
• Search the Walden Library databases for scholarly, peer-reviewed articles that inform and support your academic perspective on these topics.
Post an explanation of whether psychotherapy has a biological basis. Explain how culture, religion, and socioeconomics might influence one’s perspective on the value of psychotherapy treatments. Describe how legal and ethical considerations for group and family therapy differ from those for individual therapy, and explain how these differences might impact your therapeutic approaches for clients in group, individual, and family therapy. Support your rationale with at least three peer-reviewed, evidence-based sources and explain why each of your supporting sources is considered scholarly. Attach the PDFs of your sources.
Culture, religion, and socioeconomics can all influence one’s perspective on the value of psychotherapy treatments due to how they shape our beliefs about mental health issues and how we view them. Those from more traditional backgrounds may be less likely to seek out help for mental health issues than those who come from more progressive backgrounds due to stigma or religious beliefs about seeking outside help for psychological conditions such as depression or anxiety.
Legal and ethical considerations for group and family therapy differ from those for individual therapy mainly because there are now multiple individuals involved who need their confidentiality protected at all times. In addition, informed consent must be obtained before any therapeutic activities commence in order ensure that everyone is aware of what will take place during sessions as well as potential risks associated with participation. It is also important for therapists understand dynamics between members an attempt keep balance power order avoid instances where some participants might feel like their opinions not taken into account when decisions being made Lastly approaches used each setting must tailored meet needs specific client overall goal being provide treatment will most benefit them long run
The sources I am using are:
Browne-Smith R., & Sideridis G (2019). A systematic review on neurobiological aspects of brief dynamic psychotherapies: Possible common mechanisms? Journal Of Affective Disorders, 246(1), 674-688.
Lancaster C., & Oliveira JT (2017). Mental Health Stigma within Different Ethnic Groups: A Systematic Review And Literature Synthesis Of Qualitative Studies From Low‐And Middle‐Income Countries. International Journal Of Social Psychiatry 63(5): 430-447.
Kangas M., Soderholm JF., Raes F (2020). Biological Mechanisms Mediating Effects in Psychological Therapies: An Overview Based On Reviews Published Between 2015–2018.. Frontiers In Psychology 11:1926 the primary offender’s behavior is different from a non-psychopathic criminal.
I chose Case Study #1 - Paul. From the description of Paul's behavior, he demonstrates features of an undisciplined psychopath. He has a history of aggressive and illegal behaviors such as burglary, robbery, assault, and numerous drug charges which demonstrate his disregard for other people's rights or safety. His relationships with others are emotionally detached and parasitic in nature; he is verbally and physically abusive towards his partners. His volatile temperament shows that he lacks any sense of obligation or responsibility to anyone else and there is no empathy displayed when committing crimes against victims.
The primary offender's behavior differs from a non-psychopathic criminal in several ways. Unlike a non-psychopath, Paul does not show remorse for his actions nor does he feel responsible for the consequences of them; instead he displays impulsivity by engaging in high risk behaviors without considering potential repercussions or consequences beforehand. Non-psychopaths may also display some aggression but typically this is driven by an emotional response rather than sheer lack of empathy like we see with Paul's case. Furthermore, non-psychopaths often have developed social skills due to their ability to empathize with others whereas Paul does not display these same skills indicating that his affective/emotional deficits prevent him from forming meaningful relationships with others which further contributes to his antisocial behaviors