Psychological Disorders and Therapeutic Strategies (Essay Sample)

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Psychological Disorders and Therapeutic Strategies
Contents
Assignment Brief
Plan
Assignment
Resubmission
Tutor Feedback Form
Assignment Brief TA1
Unit Title:

Psychological Disorders and Therapeutic Strategies

Credits:

3

Level 3

Access to HE Diploma:

ACCESS TO HE DIPLOMA (HEALTH SCIENCE PROFESSIONS)

Descriptors applied to assignment:

1

2





7

Declaration. I confirm that this assignment is my own work and that it conforms to the course policy on plagiarism as stated in the course handbook.
Name: sandramaher

Assignment Download Date:
Assignment Deadline Date:
30/06/2016

Plan submitted:
Submission Date:06/07/2016

Resubmission Deadline:
Resubmission Date:

Extension Requested:(Yes) (No)no

LEARNING OUTCOMES
1 Understand a range of theoretical explanations for psychological disorders.
2 Understand the theoretical basis for different therapeutic strategies used in the treatment of psychological disorders.
3 Understand the effectiveness of different treatments for psychological disorders.
Unit Assessment Criteria Applied to Assignment
Number of assignments to this unit: One

Essay

Page No. where you have covered the assessment criteria

Assessment Criterion:
Please also indicate where you have covered the assessment criteria in your actual submission.


1 Describe and evaluate two different explanations (e.g. psychodynamic, behavioural, cognitive or biological) of three psychological disorders.
1 Describe different therapeutic strategies used in the treatment of psychological disorders.
2 Explain the theoretical basis for the different therapeutic strategies used in the treatment of psychological disorders.
1 Evaluate the effectiveness of different treatments for at least one psychological disorder.

Grade Descriptor 1 – Understanding the Subject

GI

For merit: demonstrates a very good grasp of the relevant knowledge base. (M)

For distinction: demonstrates an excellent grasp of the relevant knowledge base (D)


Grade Descriptor 2 – Application of Knowledge

GI

For merit: makes use of relevant: ideas and facts with either: breadth or depth and/or a very good level of insight. (M)

For Distinction: Makes use of relevant: ideas and facts with both: breadth or depth and/or an excellent level of insight. (D)


Grade Descriptor 7 - Quality

GI

For merit: is structured in a way that is generally logical and fluent; Taken as a whole, demonstrates a very good response to the demands of the brief/assignment (M)

For distinction: is structured in a way that is consistently logical and fluent; Taken as a whole, demonstrates an excellent response to the demands of the brief/assignment (D)


Word count guideline: 2000 words
Sanctions apply for graded assessments that exceed the allocated word limit by more than 10% - please see Student Handbook for details.
* You may submit a plan to discuss with your tutor to ensure you are on the right track. Please upload this in the relevant area of the VLE well in advance of the assignment deadline.
* Your completed assignment should be copied onto page 6 of THIS document. Do not upload as separate file.
Assignment
Each perspective makes different assumptions about the causes of psychological disorders. As a result, each perspective suggests a different way of treating mental illness, the effectiveness of which is often a platform of debate.
Essay Title
Discuss, with the use of three different disorders (e.g. schizophrenia, depression, eating disorders), two possible psychological explanations and treatments for each disorder. 
Evaluate the effectiveness of the different treatments given for at least one of the psychological disorders discussed.(1.1, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1)
Word count guideline: 2000 words
Essay Writing
A good essay should:

Tick box

Show evidence of wide reading.


Use source materials from books, journals, internet, leaflets etc.


Give examples, reasons, case studies, evidence etc.


Be analytical in structure.


Compare and contrast different opinions.


Deal with a range of arguments.


Demonstrate an awareness of the complexity of the subject.


Distinguish facts from ideas and opinions.


Be written in your own words.


Follow an argument with logical development from one point to another.


Group similar points together.


Use well constructed paragraphs and sentences.


Uses references and quotations.


Conclude by making a decision on which argument is the best.


Have good spelling, punctuation and grammar.


Be within the word limit.


Have a reference section or bibliography.


Follows the Harvard referencing system.


Most importantly, answer your question and address each assessment criteria.


IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
* Please word process your assignment and upload to the VLE.
* Your work is only eligible for grading once all of the criteria above have been met.
* Please indicate in your assignment where you have met each criteria by including the criteria numbers in the relevant places.
* Make sure all work is referenced using the Harvard referencing system
* Your work will be checked for plagiarism.
Reflections
Can you identify specific learning points? If so tell us about these.
Were the materials and assessment clear? If not, can you identify areas for improvement?
Did the topic inspire you to further reading? Please share any relevant/interesting links.

Plan
Assignment:
Introduction (1.1)
The assignment will attempt to discuss therapeutic intervention for bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and depression through the employment of both cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and biological method. CBT conceptualise the basis of psychological disorders as reactions to life difficulties, relationships, health issues and cognitive-behavioural factors. CBT attempts to transform psychological and behavioural issues via a goal-oriented and systematic approach (Australian Psychiatrist Society – APS, 2010) by re-wiring the mind and pattern of thinking, role playing and through learnt behaviour rehearsals (Morrison, 2009).
CBT understands that behaviour can be learnt or unlearnt; whereas, the biological strategy assumes that behaviour or conditions have biological basis. The biological approach involves utilisation of mood stabilisers, antipsychotics and various classes of antidepressants (NIH, 2016). Biological method largely involves the use of pharmacotherapeutic agents while no agents whatsoever are used in CBT. CBT is largely a talk therapy in nature. Both biological and CBT are effective treatments for mood disorders such as bipolar disorder and depression (Morrison, 2009; Smith, et al., 2016). Similarly, the two approaches are relatively effective for treatment of schizophrenic positive symptoms but minimal effect observed on negative symptoms (Chien, et al., 2013; Lett, et al., 2014). Apart from use of drugs, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is also applied in biological treatment of schizophrenia (Lett, et al., 2014). However, in depression cases, CBT is associated with decreased chances of relapse compared the sole use of medications (APS, 2010).
Bipolar Disorder (2.1and 2.2)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
"CBT is a therapeutic technique that, "employ a combination of behavioural and cognitive approaches" (APS, 2010, p. 6). CBT describes bipolar as mood disorder. A therapist should to guide a patient to identify obstructive thoughts, behaviours and emotions for therapeutic benefits. Behavioural techniques include exposure, scheduling of activities, resting and modification of identifiable behaviours (APS, 2010). Behavioural strategies involve the adoption of normal sleep patterns, evasion of drug and alcohol abuse, exercising, and recommended sunlight exposure (Smith, et al., 2016). Cognitive approaches include cognitive restructuring and self-instructional learning to substitute erroneous pattern of thinking. Training may include stress and anger management, and parental guidance (APS, 2010). CBT helps an individual to get into terms with their conditions, to deal with related problems such as unexplained bad feelings and stress, rebuild relationships, and put their moods on check (Smith, et al., 2016).
Biological Approach
In this approach, bipolar symptoms are known to mimic those presented by other disorders or medical conditions. Consequently, various conditions, health issues and medication histories need to be screened first before a patient is given pharmacotherapeutic agents (Smith, et al., 2016). Medication is regarded as a cornerstone treatment plan for bipolar cases. Mood stabilisers are utilised to help manage the recurring highs and the lows depressive symptoms associated bipolar disorder (Smith, et al.,2016); however, their mechanism of action have not been described yet (Schloesser, et al., 2012).
The disorder is treatable by application of three classes of medications; namely, antipsychotics, mood stabilisers and a wide range of antidepressants. The widely used antipsychotics, for treatment of this disorder, include lithium carbonate and valproic acid. Mechanism of action of lithium carbonate remains unclear (WebMD, 2016); however, its action helps to reduce manic symptoms and ceases recurrence of depressive symptoms (WebMD, 2016). Valproic acid is often administered as a mood stabilising...