Learning Objectives

After studying this chapter, you should be able to:

1. Summarize the history of the treatment of psychological disorders from its ancient origins to modern times, showing the connection between beliefs and treatment choice.
2. Define psychoanalysis, and list and describe four psychoanalytic treatment techniques and summarize how psychodynamic therapy differs from classic psychoanalysis.
3. Describe the general principle underlying all behavioral therapy and then list and describe three classical-conditioning therapies, three operant-conditioning therapies, and a social-learning therapy.
4. Describe the general principle underlying all the cognitive orientation to therapy and describe the important features of rational-emotive behavior therapy and cognitive therapy.
5. Describe the general distinguishing perspective of all the humanistic therapies, and then list and describe the important characteristics of two types of humanistic therapy systems.
6. Describe the core concept of the social-relations orientation and the reasons for the development of the group approach to therapy, and list and describe the important features of four types of group-oriented forms of therapy.
7. Describe the core concept underlying all biopsychological therapies and then list and describe the important features of and controversy surrounding both psychosurgery and ECT.
8. Describe the principle underlying all drug therapies and then describe the important features of four groups of medications for the treatment of psychological disorder.
9. Define deinstitutionalization and then summarize the strengths and weaknesses of this important social policy, and list and describe the three main goals of the community mental-health movement.
10. Summarize the relevant issues in selecting a therapist and discuss bibliotherapy as an alternative.
11. Explain what sparked the debate on the effectiveness of psychotherapy.
12. Describe the issues surrounding the criteria of success in determining the effectiveness of psychotherapy and summarize the findings of the major research studies.
13. Summarize what is known about the characteristics that are important factors in the effectiveness of psychotherapy.