Biological Treatments
Medication
- Antidepressants : Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like fluoxetine are commonly prescribed for depression.
- Anxiolytics : Benzodiazepines such as diazepam are used to manage anxiety disorders.
- Antipsychotics : Medications like haloperidol are effective in treating schizophrenia.
Karp and Frank (1995)
Aim
To compare the effectiveness of drug therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in treating depression.
Method
Meta-analysis of 12 studies comparing drug therapy, CBT, and a combination of both.
Results
Drug therapy was effective in the short term, but relapse rates were higher compared to CBT.
Conclusion
Combining medication with CBT reduces relapse rates, highlighting the importance of addressing underlying cognitive patterns.
Strengths and Limitations
Strengths
- Quick symptom relief, particularly for severe disorders.
- Widely accessible and cost-effective.
Limitations
- Side effects, such as weight gain or drowsiness.
- High relapse rates when medication is discontinued.
- Ethical concerns regarding overprescription and dependency.
Psychological Treatments
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- CBT focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and behaviors.
- It assumes thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are related.
Beck (1979)
Aim
To evaluate the effectiveness of CBT in treating depression.
Method
- Randomized controlled trial with 44 patients diagnosed with depression.
- Participants were assigned to either CBT or a control group receiving medication.
Results
CBT was as effective as medication in reducing symptoms, with lower relapse rates.
Strengths and Limitations
Strengths
- Long-term effectiveness due to skill-building.
- No side effects compared to medication.
Limitations
- Requires motivation and active participation from patients.
- May not be effective for severe cases or individuals with cognitive impairments.
- Cultural bias towards Western individualistic values.
Prevention and Treatment for Obesity
- CBT may be useful for treating obesity when put alongside a weight loss program.
- This is because CBT focuses on behaviours in the long term.
- It may include goal setting, self monitoring, and encouraging healthy behaviours.
- It also is useful in the case of stress-related obesity.
Dolores Corbalén et al. (2009)
Aim
To explore the effect of CBT and a Mediterranean diet in treating obesity.
Method
- Participants followed a Mediterranean diet and had CBT sessions for 34 weeks.
Results
- 89% of participants fully followed the procedure of the study.
- The average weight loss was 7.7kg.
- What is the role of SSRIs in treating mental health disorders?
- What are some strengths and limitations of CBT?
- How can CBT be used to treat obesity?
