Therapies for Treating Mental Disorders

Therapy Purposes Examples
Biological Alleviate symptoms Medications

  • Antipsychotics for psychotic disorders
  • Antidepressants for depression
  • Anticycling agents for bipolar disorder
  • Hypnoanxiolytics for anxiety disorders
  • Stimulants
  • Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) – chiefly used when other therapies are not successful.
Psychosocial Address underlying issues, which will lead to changes in behavior Individual Therapy

  • Psychotherapy or counseling with a psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist
  • Pastoral counseling with a minister
    Group Therapy
  • Professionally run groups
  • Peer support groups ex: Alcoholics Anonymous
    Couples and Family Therapy
  • Marriage counseling
  • Family Therapy
Behavioral Address behavior, which will lead to change in feelings and attitudes Biofeedback – Electronic instrument gives feedback to patient
Relaxation – Systematic relaxation of parts of the body
Operant Conditioning – Reward and reinforce positive behaviors

 

Sources:

  • Essential Psychopathology and Its Treatment, Second Edition by Jerrold S. Maxmen and Nicholas G Ward, pp 87-97.
  • The Soul in Distress by Richard W. Roukema, M.D., pp 42-47, 59