clin psych 1

• the field of clinical psychology integrates science, theory and practice to understand, predict maladjustment, disability etc.
• clin psych focuses on the intellectual, emotional, biological and social aspects of human functioning across the lifespan
• clin psych is the study of the models of mental health
• clin psych looks at:

  the features associated with distressful experiences

  what maintains the psychological, emotional and physical distress.

  what can be done to reduce symptoms

  what can be done to improve wellbeing and quality of life
• role of a clin psych is that they treat different problems such as:

  mental health problems - anxiety, depressive disorders

  physical health problems - pain management

  learning difficulties - adhd, asd

  relationship issues
• role of a clin psych

  assess the clients needs

  plan treatments

  work in a multidisciplinary team

  evaluate services for patients

  provide consultations
• clin psych can work in public or private practice

  they can work with adults or children

  can work alone or in a team
• mental health has been defined by the WHO as a state of wellbeing in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.
• mental illness has been defined by the APA as an illness with psychological or behavioural manifestation and/or in functioning due to social, psychological, genetic, physical or biological disturbances
• models of mental health

  psychodynamic

  cognitive and behavioural

  biological

  biopsychosocial
• psychodynamic theory

  some basic assumptions include

  our behaviour and feelings are affected by unconscious motives

  our behaviour and feelings as adults are rooted in childhood experience

  all behaviour has a cause so all behaviour is determined
• cognitive and behavioural theory

  basic assumptions

  our thoughts and beliefs influence our behaviour, emotions and physiology

  abnormality stems from faulty cognitions or distortions about the future, the world and the self of person
• biological/medical model

  basic assumptions

  mental disorders are said to have underlying organic/physical causes

  behaviours such as hallucinations are symptoms of mental illness and can be treated with medical approaches

  chemical imbalances in the brain e.g dopamine, can lead to behavioural changes
• biopsychosocial model - looks at the whole person

  bio factors - gender, physical health, disability

  psych factors - behaviour, personality, attitudes

  social factors - education, social support, peer relationships
• addressing mental health concerns

  • assessment - clinical interview, mental state exams
  • formulation - ways to understand the experience the client is having
  • diagnosis - only a physician can diagnose but a CP can recommend - using the DSM-5 book for a diagnosis
  • intervention - treatment phase
  • evaluation - determining if intervention worked