Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following best exemplifies how a clinician utilizes an understanding of physiology in treating a client?
Which of the following best exemplifies how a clinician utilizes an understanding of physiology in treating a client?
- Prescribing an antidepressant medication to balance neurotransmitter levels.
- Referring a client to a neurologist for brain imaging.
- Teaching a client biofeedback techniques to manage anxiety symptoms. (correct)
- Using cognitive behavioral therapy to challenge negative thought patterns.
A client reports experiencing persistent sadness and fatigue. How might a clinician integrate a biological perspective into understanding these symptoms?
A client reports experiencing persistent sadness and fatigue. How might a clinician integrate a biological perspective into understanding these symptoms?
- Assessing the client's sleep patterns, hormone levels, and neurotransmitter function. (correct)
- Examining the client's cultural background and social support system.
- Challenging the client's negative thought patterns and cognitive distortions.
- Exploring the client's childhood experiences and attachment patterns.
Which of the following scenarios would most likely prompt a clinician to consider a referral for neuropsychological testing?
Which of the following scenarios would most likely prompt a clinician to consider a referral for neuropsychological testing?
- A client exhibits sudden changes in memory and cognitive function. (correct)
- A client expresses dissatisfaction with their career path.
- A client reports feeling anxious in social situations.
- A client is struggling with symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder.
A psychiatrist is considering prescribing medication for a client with depression. From a biological treatment perspective, what is the PRIMARY goal of this intervention?
A psychiatrist is considering prescribing medication for a client with depression. From a biological treatment perspective, what is the PRIMARY goal of this intervention?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is being considered as a treatment for a client's severe depression. What is the PRIMARY mechanism of action behind TMS?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is being considered as a treatment for a client's severe depression. What is the PRIMARY mechanism of action behind TMS?
In the context of genetic influences on mental health, what does a heritability estimate of 0.60 for a particular trait suggest?
In the context of genetic influences on mental health, what does a heritability estimate of 0.60 for a particular trait suggest?
How does the field of epigenetics broaden our understanding of genetic influences on behavior?
How does the field of epigenetics broaden our understanding of genetic influences on behavior?
A researcher is conducting a twin study to investigate the heritability of anxiety disorders. What type of data would provide the STRONGEST evidence for a genetic component to anxiety?
A researcher is conducting a twin study to investigate the heritability of anxiety disorders. What type of data would provide the STRONGEST evidence for a genetic component to anxiety?
In the context of assessment and case conceptualization, what is the relationship between these two processes?
In the context of assessment and case conceptualization, what is the relationship between these two processes?
Why is it important for clinicians to continuously engage in informal assessment throughout treatment?
Why is it important for clinicians to continuously engage in informal assessment throughout treatment?
A clinician is conducting an initial assessment with a new client. Which approach BEST reflects a multidimensional perspective?
A clinician is conducting an initial assessment with a new client. Which approach BEST reflects a multidimensional perspective?
During an assessment, a clinician starts with broad, open-ended questions before moving to more specific inquiries. What is the PRIMARY rationale behind this approach?
During an assessment, a clinician starts with broad, open-ended questions before moving to more specific inquiries. What is the PRIMARY rationale behind this approach?
Which assessment component is MOST suitable for evaluating cognitive impairment or decline?
Which assessment component is MOST suitable for evaluating cognitive impairment or decline?
Which of the following BEST illustrates the use of behavioral observation in clinical assessment?
Which of the following BEST illustrates the use of behavioral observation in clinical assessment?
A client is prescribed Benzodiazepines for anxiety, what is the PRIMARY mechanism of action?
A client is prescribed Benzodiazepines for anxiety, what is the PRIMARY mechanism of action?
Flashcards
Biological Theory in Psychology
Biological Theory in Psychology
Behavior is influenced by physiology, brain structures, neurochemistry, DNA, and epigenetics.
Health Psychology
Health Psychology
A subfield of behavioral medicine focused on the relationship between mental and physical health.
Biofeedback/Neurofeedback
Biofeedback/Neurofeedback
Training to control physiological responses (Biofeedback) or brain activation (Neurofeedback).
Neurochemistry
Neurochemistry
Signup and view all the flashcards
Antidepressants
Antidepressants
Signup and view all the flashcards
Anxiolytics
Anxiolytics
Signup and view all the flashcards
Stimulants
Stimulants
Signup and view all the flashcards
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
Signup and view all the flashcards
Heritability Estimate
Heritability Estimate
Signup and view all the flashcards
Epigenetics
Epigenetics
Signup and view all the flashcards
Case Conceptualization
Case Conceptualization
Signup and view all the flashcards
Purposes of Assessment
Purposes of Assessment
Signup and view all the flashcards
Components of an Assessment
Components of an Assessment
Signup and view all the flashcards
Informal Assessment
Informal Assessment
Signup and view all the flashcards
Value of Data Collection
Value of Data Collection
Signup and view all the flashcards
Study Notes
Biological Theory in Psychology
- Human and animal behavior originates from physical causes.
- These causes include physiology, brain structures and neurochemistry, DNA & Genetic influences and epigenetics.
Physiology
- Focuses on the connection between mental and physical health.
- Health psychology is a subfield of behavioral medicine.
- Biofeedback and Neurofeedback are used in treatment.
Brain and Mental Disorders
- Awareness of brain processes helps clinicians:
- Explain medically-informed information to clients
- Identify potentially incorrect or unusual self-reported information
- Determine when to refer to a medical professional or neuropsychologist
Neurochemistry
- Hormones and neurotransmitters send chemical messages.
- Hormones are chemical impulses released by the endocrine system.
- Neurotransmitters are electrical impulses released by the CNS
Mood-Related Hormones & Neurotransmitters
- Dopamine affects mood and deficiency can be problematic.
- Serotonin is a key mood regulator.
- Oxytocin plays a part in mood and social bonding.
- Melatonin impacts sleep and mood.
- Endorphins are related to pain relief and mood elevation.
- Adrenaline is involved in stress responses.
- Norepinephrine is connected to alertness and arousal.
Medications: Biological Treatment
- Antidepressants:
- SSRIs (e.g., Sertraline/Zoloft)
- SNRIs (e.g., Venlafaxine/Effexor)
- NDRIs (e.g., Bupropin/Aplenzin)
- Anxiolytics:
- SSRIs (e.g., Fluoxetine/Prozac)
- Benzodiazepines (e.g., Lorazepam/Ativan) are effective for anxiety and can be a negative reinforcer.
- Stimulants:
- Dextroamphetamine & amphetamine (Adderall)
- Antipsychotics and Mood Stabilizers
- Mood Stabilizers (e.g., Lithium)
- Co-morbidity is common.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
- TMS stimulates brain nerve cells using magnetic fields.
- It may work by increasing blood flow.
- TMS treats depression, OCD, and some addictions.
Genetic Influences
- The Human genome contains 20,300 genes.
- General cognitive functions involve 857 genes.
- Temperament involves 736 genes.
Twin and Adoption Studies
- Heritability estimates indicate the proportion of variability in a characteristic associated with genetic variation.
- Phenotypic variance = genetic variance + environmental variance + interaction variance.
- Heritability estimates range from 0 to 1 (or 0 to 100%).
Epigenetics
- This is the study of heritable phenotype changes without alterations in DNA sequence.
- Environmental factors can alter genetic expression.
- These alterations can be passed down through generations.
Assessment and Case Conceptualization
- Assessment precedes case conceptualization.
- Case conceptualization involves:
- Obtaining and organizing information about a person.
- Understanding and explaining their situation and patterns (thoughts, emotions, and behaviors).
- Understanding how they operate in their world.
Context Matters
- Understanding a person internally and their cultural context is important.
- Case conceptualization gathers pieces through assessment and brings them together and needs to be rooted in theory.
Importance of Assessment
- Assessment collects data to form a case conceptualization.
- Clinicians are trained in assessment practices.
- Assessment continues throughout treatment.
- Informal assessment happens throughout therapy.
- Data collection helps clients recognize their progress.
Purposes of Assessment
- To understand the individual
- To predict behavior
- To plan treatment
- To evaluate treatment outcome
- Multidimensional
- Start broad, then get specific
Components of an Assessment
- Clinical interview
- Behavioral observations/assessment
- Personality testing (adults only)
- Symptom-based testing (symptom analysis)
- Cognitive testing
- Neuropsychological testing
- Physiological testing
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
