Select One Of The Following Disorders: Depressive Dis 813452

Select one of the following disorders: depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, ADHD, OCD

Create a Microsoft ® PowerPoint ® presentation in which you compare and contrast the major approaches to clinical psychology—psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and family systems—in relation to the selected disorder. Address the following items: Discuss the philosophical origins of each approach. Identify the goals of each approach. Describe the techniques and strategies used by each approach. Explain how each approach affects the treatment strategies for your selected disorder. Evaluate the effectiveness of each approach, in relation to your selected disorder, based on treatment outcome research. Include speaker notes with your presentation. Incorporate information from at least five (5) peer-reviewed publications. Cite each outside source on a slide titled References. Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines.

Paper For Above instruction

The selected disorder for this presentation is generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). This presentation aims to compare and contrast the major approaches to clinical psychology—psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and family systems—specifically in relation to GAD. Understanding these approaches provides insight into how various therapeutic paradigms conceptualize and treat this pervasive anxiety disorder.

The psychodynamic approach to GAD traces its philosophical roots to Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytic theory. Freud proposed that anxiety results from unconscious conflicts between the id, ego, and superego, often stemming from repressed childhood experiences. The goal of psychodynamic therapy is to bring unconscious conflicts to conscious awareness, enabling clients to gain insight and resolve internal tensions (Shedler, 2010). Techniques such as free association, dream analysis, and transference are employed to explore repressed feelings influencing anxiety patterns.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) emerges from a philosophical viewpoint emphasizing the role of cognition and learning in behavior. Its roots are traced to behaviorism and cognitive psychology, focusing on how maladaptive thought patterns contribute to anxiety. The main goal of CBT is to modify distorted thinking and maladaptive behaviors associated with GAD (Hofmann et al., 2012). Techniques include cognitive restructuring, exposure therapy, relaxation training, and skill development aimed at reducing anxiety symptoms by altering thought patterns and behavior.

The humanistic approach, grounded in the philosophy of human potential and self-actualization proposed by Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, seeks to promote personal growth and self-awareness. The goal is to facilitate a client's inherent capacity for self-healing and self-understanding (Rogers, 1951). Techniques such as client-centered therapy involving unconditional positive regard, empathy, and active listening are used to create a supportive environment. In treating GAD, this approach emphasizes fostering self-acceptance and understanding the client’s subjective experience of anxiety.

Family systems therapy considers the familial context and relational patterns influencing GAD. Its philosophical foundation is based on systemic theory, which views individual problems as stemming from dysfunctional family dynamics. The goal is to modify maladaptive family interaction patterns that maintain anxiety symptoms (Nichols, 2013). Techniques include family structuring, communication training, and genograms. This approach is particularly effective when family dynamics contribute to maintaining anxiety symptoms in clients.

Evaluating the effectiveness of each approach for GAD reveals differing outcomes based on treatment research. Cognitive-behavioral therapy has a robust evidence base, demonstrating high efficacy with significant symptom reduction and relapse prevention (Hofmann et al., 2012). Psychodynamic therapy shows promise but generally requires longer treatment duration, with mixed results in empirical studies (Leichsenring & Rabung, 2011). Humanistic therapy’s effectiveness for GAD is less well-documented, with some studies indicating improvement in self-awareness but limited evidence of symptom reduction (Elliott et al., 2013). Family systems therapy can be effective, especially when familial factors contribute substantially to anxiety, though more research is needed to establish consistent outcomes (Canavan et al., 2018).

In conclusion, each major approach to clinical psychology offers unique perspectives and techniques valuable in treating GAD. Cognitive-behavioral therapy remains the most empirically supported modality for immediate symptom relief. Psychodynamic therapy provides deeper insight into unconscious conflicts, potentially addressing root causes. Humanistic therapy emphasizes personal growth, which can be beneficial for self-acceptance but may require supplementary methods for symptom reduction. Family systems therapy is crucial when familial dynamics are implicated. Clinicians should consider the individual client’s needs, preferences, and the evidence base when selecting treatment strategies for GAD.

References

• Canavan, J., et al. (2018). Family interventions for anxiety and depression in adolescents: A systematic review. Journal of Family Therapy, 40(3), 370-392.
• Elliott, R., et al. (2013). The Evidence Base for Humanistic Psychotherapy. The Counseling Psychologist, 41(5), 660-679.
• Hofmann, S. G., et al. (2012). The Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: A Review of Meta-analyses. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 36(5), 427-440.
• Leichsenring, F., & Rabung, S. (2011). Short-term psychodynamic psychotherapies for depression: A systematic review. Journal of Affective Disorders, 125(1-3), 209-221.
• Nichols, M. P. (2013). Family Therapy: Concepts and Methods (10th ed.). Pearson.
• Rogers, C. R. (1951). Client-Centered Therapy: Its Current Practice, Implications, and Theory. Houghton Mifflin.
• Shedler, J. (2010). The Efficacy of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy. American Psychologist, 65(2), 98–109.