1.Define what is meant by a negative symptom of schizophrenia. Then describe in detail four negative symptoms of schizophrenia.
2.Compare and contrast depression and mania and explain how these are related to unipolar depression and bipolar disorders.
3.Explain the effectiveness of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
4.Interpersonal therapists believe that any of four interpersonal problem areas can lead to depression and must be addressed in therapy. Briefly describe each of these areas and provide an example of each.
- Explain the diathesis-stress model of schizophrenia.
- Trace the common pattern of development of Alzheimer's from its initial stage until the person's death.
- Nicotine use and abuse through smoking cigarettes affects around 27 percent of Americans. What are the effects of tobacco use disorder? Why is tobacco use disorder so difficult to treat? What are two treatments for tobacco use disorder?
- Explain the cognitive-behavioral treatment approach that is designed to help those with schizophrenia change how they both view and react to their hallucinations.
- Explain why community treatment has failed those with schizophrenia.
- Explain the psychodynamic, behavioral, and cognitive explanations for the development (cause) of conversion and somatic symptom disorders.
- Discuss the four-phase treatment approach that is used in cognitive-behavioral therapy in treating depression.
- Discuss the history of the use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). What observation led to its development as a treatment? How has its use evolved over the years?
- Discuss the relationship between gender and depression.
- Discuss the best treatment for female orgasmic disorder, including what the treatment entails as well as any controversial issues.
Full Answer Section
- Avolition: Lack of motivation or initiative to engage in everyday activities, social interaction, or self-care.
- Anedonia: Inability to experience pleasure or joy from activities once found enjoyable.
- Blunted Affect: Reduced emotional expression, appearing flat or emotionless regardless of the situation.
2. Depression vs. Mania and their Relation to Bipolar Disorder:
- Depression: A mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, and changes in sleep, appetite, and energy levels.
- Mania: A period of abnormally elevated mood, increased energy and activity, racing thoughts, grandiosity (inflated sense of self-importance), and potentially risky behaviors.
Relationship to Bipolar Disorders:
- Unipolar Depression: Depression occurring on its own, without experiencing manic episodes.
- Bipolar Disorders: Characterized by cycling between episodes of depression and mania (bipolar I) or hypomania (less severe manic episode) and depression (bipolar II).
- Mania and depression are opposite ends of the mood spectrum in bipolar disorders.
3. Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT):
- Effectiveness: ECT is a highly effective treatment for severe depression, especially when other treatments haven't been successful. It can also be used for some cases of mania and schizophrenia.
- Mechanism: The exact mechanism of ECT is not fully understood, but it's thought to cause changes in brain chemistry that alleviate symptoms.
4. Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) Problem Areas:
- Grief: Difficulty coping with loss or major life changes.
- Interpersonal Role Disputes: Conflicts with family, friends, or romantic partners.
- Role Transitions: Difficulty adjusting to new roles or responsibilities.
- Social Isolation: Lack of social support or difficulty forming meaningful relationships.
Example: A client experiencing depression after a breakup (interpersonal role dispute) might benefit from IPT to improve communication skills and build healthier relationships.
5. Diathesis-Stress Model of Schizophrenia:
- This model proposes that schizophrenia develops from a combination of genetic vulnerability (diathesis) and environmental stressors.
- Genetic Vulnerability: People with a family history of schizophrenia are more likely to develop the disorder, suggesting a genetic predisposition.
- Environmental Stressors: Stressful life events like childhood trauma, substance abuse, or social isolation may trigger the onset of schizophrenia in individuals with a genetic vulnerability.
6. Development of Alzheimer's Disease:
- Early Stage: Mild memory lapses, difficulty concentrating, and challenges with familiar tasks may occur.
- Middle Stage: Memory loss becomes more significant, confusion increases, and difficulty with daily activities like self-care becomes evident.
- Late Stage: Severe memory loss, communication difficulties, personality changes, and dependence on others for care are common.
- Death: Alzheimer's is a progressive neurodegenerative disease, and death ultimately occurs due to complications.
7. Tobacco Use Disorder:
- Effects: Smoking harms nearly every organ in the body, increasing the risk of cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung diseases, and diabetes. It can also stain teeth, damage gums, and contribute to wrinkles.
- Difficulty Treating: The addictive nature of nicotine and the various psychological and social factors associated with smoking contribute to the difficulty in quitting.
- Treatments: Two common treatments include:
- Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT): Provides a controlled dose of nicotine to help manage withdrawal symptoms.
- Medications: Certain medications can help reduce cravings and the urge to smoke.
8. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Schizophrenia Hallucinations:
- CBT helps individuals with schizophrenia challenge the reality of their hallucinations and develop coping mechanisms to manage them.
- Cognitive Restructuring: Examining the evidence for and against the hallucinations to identify distorted thinking patterns.
- Exposure Therapy: Gradually exposing oneself to situations that trigger hallucinations in a safe and controlled environment.
- Relaxation Techniques: Learning relaxation techniques to manage anxiety and distress associated with hallucinations.
9. Limitations of Community Treatment for Schizophrenia:
- Limited Resources: Community programs may lack adequate funding for comprehensive treatment, including medication, therapy, and social support services.
- Compliance Challenges: Some individuals with schizophrenia may struggle with medication adherence or attending regular therapy sessions.