Question 1

In comparison to drug treatment for depression, cognitive-behavioural therapy is:

Accepted Answer

Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) has been shown to be just as effective as drug interventions for treating depression, with the advantage of being more sustainable and having fewer side effects. In fact, CBT may be preferred over drugs for certain subgroups of patients, such as those with milder symptoms or those concerned about the potential side effects of medication. Additionally, CBT can be used in conjunction with drug therapy to enhance its effects, rather than being counterproductive. However, it should be noted that the choice between CBT and drug treatment ultimately depends on individual factors and preferences, and a combination approach may be most effective in some cases.

Question 2

If your physician prescribes a drug to treat your depression, what is the likelihood you will experience relief from your symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that antidepressant medication can be effective in reducing symptoms of depression in about 65 percent of cases. However, it is important to note that medication should not be the only form of treatment and may need to be combined with therapy or other interventions for best results.

Question 3

Giving depressed patients a placebo rather than an actual drug:

Accepted Answer

Research on the placebo effect has shown that roughly one third of patients who receive a placebo treatment for depression report improvement in their depressive symptoms. This suggests that a significant portion of the therapeutic effect of antidepressant drugs may be due to the placebo effect.

Question 4

In general, placebo treatments for depression have been found to:

Accepted Answer

Placebo treatments can lead to changes in brain activity and improvements in depression symptoms for some individuals, due to the psychological and neurobiological effects of expecting treatment.

Question 5

Which of the following recent treatment options-which need more research to be able to generalize results-have shown initial promise for patients with severe depression?

Accepted Answer

Both deep brain stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation have shown initial promise for patients with severe depression, but more research is needed to generalize the results. Electroconvulsive therapy and dialectical behaviour therapy have also been used as treatment options for severe depression, but they are not included in the same combination as choice B.

Question 6

Your roommate has been taking a drug to relieve depression and it has worked very well. Would you recommend that he continue taking it?

Accepted Answer

The best choice is for the roommate to continue taking the drug as stopping it could lead to a relapse into depression. Although dependence may develop, the benefits of the drug outweigh the risks in this case. It is also not advisable to substitute a placebo for the real drug without consulting a medical professional.

Question 7

Rob plans to receive drug therapy for his depressive symptoms. Should Rob expect different kinds of results from drug treatment, compared to other kinds of therapy?

Accepted Answer

Both drug therapy and other kinds of therapy have the potential to result in changes in brain functioning and improve depressive symptoms. However, the specific effects and duration of these improvements may vary depending on the individual and the type of therapy used.

Question 8

Transcranial magnetic stimulation is similar to electroconvulsive therapy in two ways. It ____________ and it is helpful for people who ____________.

Accepted Answer

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) both involve using electrical stimulation to effect brain changes. Additionally, both are helpful for people who have not responded to traditional drug therapies.

Question 9

Jered is suicidal. He has been seriously depressed for about a year, and is saying that he wants to "end it all." He has not responded to typical drug therapies. His psychiatrist believes it is critical to try something that will work as effectively as possible and as quickly as possible. His psychiatrist will probably recommend:

Accepted Answer

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is considered an effective and rapid treatment option for patients with treatment-resistant depression and suicidal ideation. It has been shown to provide significant improvements in mood in as little as 2-4 weeks. While it may have side effects, including memory loss, ECT has been shown to be safe and can be lifesaving for individuals like Jered who are at high risk for suicide.

Question 10

Tyresia is experiencing a depressive episode and undergoes cognitive therapy to treat her symptoms. If she were in therapy with Aaron Beck, she would most likely be asked to challenge her negative thoughts about:

Accepted Answer

Aaron Beck's cognitive therapy involves identifying and challenging negative automatic thoughts that contribute to depressive symptoms. These negative thoughts typically center around the individual's self-view, situation, and future. Option A only targets negative thoughts about herself and her upbringing, while option C focuses on a positive future outlook, which is not typically the main target of cognitive therapy for depression. Option D involves positive self-evaluation, which is not the main focus of cognitive therapy for depression. Therefore, option B is the best choice as it aligns with the goals of cognitive therapy for depression.

Question 11

In comparing the effects of psychotherapy and drug treatments on brain functioning in depression, it has been found that:

Accepted Answer

Both psychotherapy and drug treatments tend to have detectable brain effects in depression, although they may affect different areas of the brain. Studies have shown that cognitive-behavioral therapy can lead to changes in brain activity in regions associated with cognitive control and emotion regulation, while antidepressant medications have been found to impact neurotransmitter levels and the functioning of neural circuits involved in mood regulation.

Question 12

MAO inhibitors for the treatment of depression:

Accepted Answer

MAO inhibitors are effective but are not commonly used due to their potential for severe side effects and dietary restrictions.

Question 13

Prozac and cognitive-behavioural therapy have both been found to be effective in treating social phobias. Why should cognitive-behavioural therapy be preferred to Prozac?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Prozac and cognitive-behavioural therapy have both been...

Question 14

Based on what you know about gender and depression, what should therapists pay attention to when working with people who are depressed?

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that women are more likely to experience depression than men, and that women often have multiple responsibilities such as work and family that can exacerbate their symptoms. On the other hand, men may be more reluctant to seek help for depression and may need to be encouraged to talk about their feelings. Therefore, therapists should be sensitive to these gender differences and tailor their approach accordingly. Therapists should also be aware of other potential factors that may contribute to depression in clients, such as societal expectations and stereotypes related to gender roles.

Question 15

Johnny's therapy for depression is quite simple: he has been asked by his therapist to write down every instance of a negative thought, and to challenge each of these thoughts so they become less automatic. For example, Johnny can attempt to gather evidence for his negative beliefs (which he probably will not find) or he can attempt to view the same situation from a neutral or even positive point of view. The therapist who is treating Johnny is most like:

Accepted Answer

Johnny's therapy is based on cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques, which were developed by Aaron Beck. Beck's therapy involves identifying and challenging negative thoughts and beliefs, which is exactly what Johnny is doing. B.F. Skinner is known for his work in behaviorism, Marsha Linehan developed dialectical behavior therapy (which focuses on mindfulness and distress tolerance), and Ellen Mayberg is a neuroscientist who has done research on depression, but none of their approaches are closely related to the therapy Johnny is undergoing.

Question 16

Skylar recently became a clinical psychologist and is interested in working specifically with women suffering from depression. Based on what is known about the demographics of this disorder, which of the following issues is likely to come up most frequently in sessions with depressed clients?

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that women are more likely to experience depression than men, and one of the contributing factors is the juggling multiple roles of work and family life. This makes option C the most likely issue to come up in sessions with depressed clients. Option A may be relevant for some clients but not necessarily a majority, and the same goes for option B. Option D, while an important social issue, is not specific to depression among women.

Question 17

One of the more exciting treatments for depression has shown what the textbook calls "stunning" results in severely depressed people. Four out of six patients in one study felt almost immediate relief from depression symptoms once this treatment program began. This treatment is:

Accepted Answer

Deep brain stimulation has shown significant and rapid improvements in symptoms for some patients with severe depression, as described in the scenario.

Question 18

In terms of alternative therapies for depression, some mildly depressed patients respond to ____________, while for patients with severe and difficult-to-treat depression, ____________ can be very helpful.

Accepted Answer

According to the text, exercise can be helpful for mildly depressed patients, while electroconvulsive therapy can be helpful for patients with severe and difficult-to-treat depression. None of the other options are mentioned in the text as effective therapy for depression.

Question 19

Tricyclics, though very effective in relieving depression, often result in:

Accepted Answer

Tricyclics are known to cause side effects such as sleepiness and weight gain. While they can be very effective in treating depression, patients should be aware of these potential side effects and talk to their doctor about any concerns. Life-threatening elevations in blood pressure or manic episodes are not typical side effects, and mild delusional episodes are not listed as a common side effect of tricyclics.

Question 20

Your physician has prescribed a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) for your depression and it has relieved your symptoms. Should you continue taking the drug once you feel better?

Accepted Answer

Yes, without the drug you are more likely to relapse into depression. Research has shown that continuing medication for an extended period of time reduces the risk of relapse. Discontinuing the medication can increase the likelihood of relapse, and it is recommended that the medication be continued for at least six months after symptom improvement. Some individuals may need to continue medication for a longer period of time, depending on the severity of their depression and their individual response to the medication.

Quiz 15: Treatment of Psychological Disorders