PSYCHOLOGY

Psychology

Psychology

1. Amanda has lately been feeling that her life is empty and has lost all interest ……

Ans. Reference to Amanda's depression problem Effective treatment of severe or chronic unipolar depression requires the combination of pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions, and demands a theoretical paradigm integrating biological and psychosocial aspects of depression. Supported by recent research, we propose in our article a biopsychosocial diathesis-stress model of depression. Its basic aim is psychoeducational: to provide therapists, patients, and their environment a constructive conceptual framework to understand depressive complaints, vulnerability, and stress. The core of the model consists of the concept of psychobiological vulnerability, which is determined by risk factors—of a biogenetic, psychological, somatic, and societal nature—and by protective factors. Life events with an idiosyncratic, stress-inducing value interact with this vulnerability, triggering severe or chronic distress that affects the individual's resilience and leads to symptoms of depression. The pathogenesis of depression is symbolized by a negative downward loop, in which interactions among symptoms, vulnerability, and stressors drive the patient toward a depressive condition. Moreover, experiencing recurrent depression influences psychobiological vulnerability, the occurrence of stressors, and tremendously increases the risk of further relapse. The model stresses the self-evident integration of biological and psychological therapeutic interventions that need to focus on symptom reduction and on relapse prevention. Moreover, it offers the patient and therapist a psychoeducational context in which the individual's vulnerability and depressive symptoms can be treated. Finally, applications of the depression model as a therapeutic approach to severe depression in the phases of remoralization, symptom reduction, and relapse prevention are presented. The model is a biopsychosocial-theoretical frame of reference offering an explanatory rationale for depression acquisition and maintenance, and providing a theory-driven basis for diagnostic assessment and treatment planning. Concerning psychodiagnostic assessment, we advocate a two-tier strategy [David G. Myers 2006 Pp. 44]: The first tier comprises a dimensional or categorical descriptive diagnosis of the depressive phenomena, whereas the second tier is linked to a biopsychosocial theory and is therapy oriented. The model can be used as a guide, as a blueprint for the second-tier diagnostic assessment, in which the vulnerability, risk, and protective factors and interactions with life events are the elements of an individual case formulation. Therapists emphasize the possibilities for remission and recognize that depression is a severe but curable disease with very high levels of suffering and burden caused by the psychobiological consequences of stress and hyperarousal. The essence of the model is nondiscriminatory and constructive toward patients: One of the central assumptions is well reflected by the adage ''all men (women) are equal.'' Every human being is vulnerable to depression because of the interplay between psychological and biological characteristics, genes, and life experiences. Psychoeducation, using an explanatory rationale and having a formulation is about the core beliefs with regard to etiology and treatment helps to maintain the therapeutic alliance and consolidates adherence of compliance. (Simon GE. 2003.Pp. 208)

2. Tony is the life of the party when he hangs out with

Ans. Referring to the scenario it's part of Tony's ...