Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - Essay Example

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) incorporate behavioral techniques, such as cautious exposure, with cognitive techniques that concentrate on aiding patients recognize and correct faulty beliefs and way of thinking (Nevid, 2012). Therapist majorly focuses on helping patient change how they think. This method utilizes view that distorted or unsound ways of thinking underlie emotional problems besides self-defeating behavior. In addition this theory argue that emotional problems are not caused by negative events or life experiences but, preferably, by ways in which people interpret their experiences.

Carlstedt (2010) cites CBT focus on changes on people’s cognitions, how cognitive processes affect behavior, and monitoring of cognitive activitiesPsychotropic medication Psychotropic medication mainly affects psychic function, behavior, or experience of the patients. This medication is to “cure” the mental illness. Majority of mental health practitioners who authorize these medications for their clients use them as an adjunct to individual or group psychotherapy (Townsend, 2014). Even though their benefaction to psychiatric care is cannot be reduced, it must be highlighted that psychotropic medications relieve behavioral and physical symptoms.

The do not rectify emotional problems. The practitioner must conduct detailed baseline assessment before placing the patient on such medications. Antidepressant and stimulant drugs are among commonly used medications. However, major symptoms may press practitioner into a management posture and preclude efforts to access the core emotional difficulties (Lewis & Blotcky, 2013)Similarities Therapies and medication are both complementary therapeutic techniques that together can provide important treatment results.

Medication allows sustained productive psychotherapy, in case of profound emotional distress, and makes therapy possible. Therapy support patient’s compliance with and acceptance of medication.Differences Use of psychotropic medication will not only rectify emotional problems of the patient but also will cause problematic side effects, whereas CBT the risk of side effects are eliminated. Medications treat the symptoms but not the disorders, whereas CBT will reduce the risk of reoccurrence.

Medication treatment is much faster as compared to CBT.Examine the strength and weaknesses of each treatmentCognitive behavioral therapyStrengthCBT does not cause problematic side effects to the patient.CBT reduce the risk of disorder reoccurrence and subsequent symptoms return for a longer period.It is cost effective WeaknessesInclude longer therapy sessions though the results might not be instant compared to medication also at time it takes long to find a qualified therapist.Psychotropic medicationStrengthMedications tend to work faster compared to CBT.

WeaknessesThey have limited use due to their toxicity and addicting effects hence, this treatment may become relentless and fruitless. Medication is more expensive compared to CBT.What does the research say regarding which disorders/symptoms have been shown successfully treated with each treatment method?Cognitive behavioral therapy Directed masturbation, a behavioral treatment for female orgasmic disorder, was developed. This method originated from the sex therapy format characterized by behavioral exercises that are performed privately (O’Donohue & Fisher, 2009).

It focuses on body awareness and body acceptance, and on visual and tactile exploration of the body. Women are encouraged to discover sensitive body parts that produce pleasure when touched. A method of masturbation, use of fantasy and image to increase sexual excitement was part of this method. This method proved to equally successful in different settings with most studies reporting high success rates in women with lifelong anorgasmia being able to experience orgasm by masturbation. Psychotropic medication For patients who suffer from anxiety disorder, neuroleptic medication is a critical component of treatment.

In such conditions, the neuroleptic medication may restore the patient’s ability to therapeutic resources. The therapist’s openness to the use of psychotropic medications gives the patient a greater recovery (Lewis & Blotcky, 2013). This method has proved to be successful and extremely beneficial to the treatment of the disorder.Based on your review of the two treatment approaches, which treatment is most effective Based on academic start studies consulted CBT is suitable treatment approach, this method is cost effective since it does not include medication expenses.

Furthermore, CBT reduce the risk of disorder reoccurrence, subsequent symptoms return for a longer period, and final in contrary to medication CBT is a lean method without toxicity and addicting effects on the patients. ReferencesCarlstedt, R. A. (2010). Handbook of integrative clinical psychology, psychiatry, and behavioral medicine:Perspectives, practices, and research. New York: Springer Publisher Company.Lewis, J.M & Blotcky, M.J. (2013).Child therapy: Concepts, Strategies, And Decision Making.Nevid, J. S. (2012). Essentials of psychology: Concepts and applications.

Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.O'Donohue, W. T., & Fisher, J. E. (2009). Cognitive behavior therapy: Applying empirically supported techniques in your practice. Hoboken, N.J: John Wiley & Sons.Townsend, M. C. (2014). Essentials of psychiatric mental health nursing: Concepts of care in evidence-based practice. Philadelphia : F.A. Davis Company.