Depression: How Psychotherapy and Other Treatments Help People Recover

By Jesse M. Cooper Sr.

'Since the existence of humanity, abnormal behaviors have been present in individuals,'' Jesse M. Cooper states in the introduction to his study of the different types of psychological treatments available to depressed patients. In a formal, systematic analysis, Cooper presents a series of studies, outcomes, and conclusions, combining the psycho

• Language: English
• Publisher: Authors' Tranquility Press
• Release date: Oct 6, 2022
• ISBN: 9781959197546

Book preview

Chapter I

Introduction

Since the existence of humanity, abnormal behaviors have been present in individuals. While the understanding of these behaviors as well as treatments have only occurred recently, substantial progress has been made with regard to improving normalcy in patients with abnormal behaviors and psychiatric difficulties. This process has been complete with many areas of concerns. One of the problems in these accomplishments in the mental health profession has been in the determination of what constitutes an abnormal behavior and how it can be treated. Another difficulty has been in regard to determining the best treatment for each case. Generally, treatments are conducted on a trial-and-error basis. In other words, if one treatment does not work, another is attempted until therapeutic efficacy is achieved. This problem is enhanced in certain mental disorders simply because of significant numbers of individuals who are diagnosed with a particular disorder and the variety of treatments available.

Classifying a behavior as abnormal is a difficult task. One of the difficulties is that sometimes behavior that is considered abnormal in one generation or age group of individuals may be considered normal in another generation or age group. For example, divorce was once considered to be unacceptable within American society. In current times, however, it is merely a fact of life, accepted by most as a means to end a relationship that is no longer fulfilling one’s needs and desires. Additionally, behaviors removed from the context of a specific culture may be considered abnormal. From the view point of members of a particular society, however, that behavior may be considered very normal.

Despite these difficulties, classification of behaviors as to what is abnormal and what is normal is possible. Generally, in order to make such a distinction, one may examine the particular behavior from one of two standpoints (Holmes, 200I). The first refers to the context of the culture involved. Thus, any behavior that deviates from the cultural norms of that society is likely to be considered abnormal. Deviancies, however, are only considered as such if the overall behavior is considered bad. Thus, the deviant behavior of having superior intelligence is not considered abnormal.

From the view of the individual, abnormal behavior must meet two standards (Holmes, 200l). The first concerns distress. If the behavior or behaviors result in extreme discomfort or psychological pain for the individual, then it is likely that the individual is experiencing some type of abnormal behavior. In addition to distress, one must also consider the element of disability. If the individual’s behavior impairs his or her ability to function appropriately and effectively at any level, then the individual is likely to be experiencing some type of abnormal behavior. For example, if a particular behavior results in an individual having impaired social functioning, then he or she is exhibiting abnormal behavior.

The display of abnormal behavior is actually very frequent (Holmes, 200l). In fact, as many as 30 percent of us will show abnormal behaviors that are serious enough to justify our being diagnosed as suffering from a psychiatric disorder (p. 5). One disorder that is pervasive throughout the population is Major Depression. The annual cost for the treatment of Major Depression alone is between sixteen and forty-three billion dollars each year (Mullaney, 2000). Each year, nineteen million clients are treated for depressive episodes lasting six to twelve months (p. 129).

Some abnormal behaviors can be extremely serious and life threatening. For example, individuals who hallucinate or are delusional may accidentally hurt themselves or others during such an episode. Additionally, individuals who are severely depressed may have desires to commit suicide. Without the proper care and treatment, these individuals may carry out their wishes, ending their lives. Unfortunately, depression is one of the most common psychiatric disorder s in existence.

Statement of the Problem

Depression is a psychiatric illness that is prominent with regard to incidence throughout the world. Holmes (200I) notes several reasons why depression has become such a serious problem. They include:

1.Depression is widespread. In fact, estimates of the prevalence of serious depression in the general population range from 12 percent to 17 percent. Indeed, depression occurs so frequently that it is sometimes referred to as the common cold of psychiatry. Unfortunately, it is much more serious than the common cold.

2.Depression is a persistent problem that is likely to recur. For example, the rate of recurrence or relapse for serious depression is about 90 percent.

3.Apart from feeling bad, people who are depressed suffer from slowed thought processes and impairments in memory that can interfere with their functioning.

4.Women are twice as likely to suffer from depression as men. This has been found to be the case in thirty countries over a period of forty years.

5.It is alarming to note that the prevalence of depression is increasing worldwide. This may represent a serious trend, and concerns have been raised about the coming age of melancholy, (p. 209- 210).

In the United States alone, approximately 15 percent of the general population have some type of depressive disorder (Holmes, 2001). The most commonly prescribed kind of medication is antidepressants. These facts indicate that depression is a serious problem and deserves the concern of mental health professionals.

Depression is so widespread that many organizations screen for symptoms in an effort to determine those suffering from depression. This is appropriate given the fact that many individuals who are depressed are unable to express or communicate their depression, symptoms, or need for treatment. Thus, screening methods assist in identifying those individuals who are in need of treatment. To facilitate this process, the National Institute of Mental Health has created a program for the specific purpose of training health care professionals in the identification of depressed individuals (O’ Hara, Gorman, & Wright, 1996). Once identified, treatment is recommended, or the individual is assisted in obtaining such care. Research on the effectiveness of depression awareness, recognition, and a treatment program demonstrate that it is extremely effective in meeting its goals.

Another program that has been successful in identifying individuals with depression is the National Depression Screening Day (Greenfield, Reizes, Muenz, & Kopana, 2000). Most recently, almost a thousand people were recommended to receive additional evaluations based on their screening results. Of the six hundred people who did obtain additional evaluations, five hundred pursued treatment. Unfortunately, individuals with health insurance were more likely