Treatment for those with abnormal behaviors or diagnoses is complex. Not only is “determining whether behavior is abnormal… a difficult process indeed” (Getzfeld, 2010, p.2), but creating a plan for treatment requires careful assessment and evaluation as well. There are several different philosophies that guide treatment, and each one holds a unique view of the etiology of mental illness. Generally speaking, “specific treatment modalities used by clinicians must correspond with a preferred model” (Grand Canyon University, 2016). This paper will present the six models of abnormality, relate their corresponding methods of treatment, and provide a synopsis of key considerations.
One commonly held view is the biological approach. This model holds …show more content…
Schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression are all commonly treated with medication and can often bring positive results. That being said, psychopharmacological treatment is often coupled with other therapy rather than being the sole means of treatment. Some pitfalls include potential side effects and clients refusing to adhere to medication prescription and dosing. Research indicates that “up to 50 per cent of people prescribed psychotropic medication either do not take the recommended dose or do not take the drug at all” (Bennett, 2011, p. 93). This can present problems when it comes to long-term, sustainable treatment.
Another theory is the psychodynamic approach. This model is rooted in the concept that “mental health problems are the result of either ego anxieties or defense mechanisms” (Bennett, 2011, p. 32). In other words, people display signs of abnormality when they unconsciously feel unsafe and try to protect themselves. This suggests there is always an underlying issue that causes the behaviors that must be uncovered in order to sustain …show more content…
Its premise is that abnormal behavior is learned, or more specifically, it is a reaction to one’s environment. The idea that experiences can shape the way a person perceives and responds to the environment is referred to as conditioning, and this “process can be so powerful when acute fear is experienced, that it may require only one conditioning experience to result in a long-term fear response that is difficult to extinguish” (Bennett, 2011, p. 37). Since the behavioral model posits that abnormal behavior is learned, it also suggests that healthy behavior can be learned as well.
Thus, one primary method of treatment from a behavioral standpoint is generally operant conditioning. This is where a new, healthy behavior is taught to replace an unhealthy one and then supported with positive reinforcement and rewards. Another tactic used is called modeling, where the client can learn an alternative behavior by observing the counselor. Conditioning in the form of desensitization can also be effective, particularly in the case of
One commonly held view is the biological approach. This model holds …show more content…
Schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression are all commonly treated with medication and can often bring positive results. That being said, psychopharmacological treatment is often coupled with other therapy rather than being the sole means of treatment. Some pitfalls include potential side effects and clients refusing to adhere to medication prescription and dosing. Research indicates that “up to 50 per cent of people prescribed psychotropic medication either do not take the recommended dose or do not take the drug at all” (Bennett, 2011, p. 93). This can present problems when it comes to long-term, sustainable treatment.
Another theory is the psychodynamic approach. This model is rooted in the concept that “mental health problems are the result of either ego anxieties or defense mechanisms” (Bennett, 2011, p. 32). In other words, people display signs of abnormality when they unconsciously feel unsafe and try to protect themselves. This suggests there is always an underlying issue that causes the behaviors that must be uncovered in order to sustain …show more content…
Its premise is that abnormal behavior is learned, or more specifically, it is a reaction to one’s environment. The idea that experiences can shape the way a person perceives and responds to the environment is referred to as conditioning, and this “process can be so powerful when acute fear is experienced, that it may require only one conditioning experience to result in a long-term fear response that is difficult to extinguish” (Bennett, 2011, p. 37). Since the behavioral model posits that abnormal behavior is learned, it also suggests that healthy behavior can be learned as well.
Thus, one primary method of treatment from a behavioral standpoint is generally operant conditioning. This is where a new, healthy behavior is taught to replace an unhealthy one and then supported with positive reinforcement and rewards. Another tactic used is called modeling, where the client can learn an alternative behavior by observing the counselor. Conditioning in the form of desensitization can also be effective, particularly in the case of