ABS200 week 5 Assignment

Clinical psychologists attribute depressive disorder to a number of factors. Cochran and Rabinowitz (2010) explain that there is no single cause of the mental condition, but it is as a result of a combination of biochemical, genetic, psychological, and environmental factors. This is a claim that is datable in the clinical psychology field where other psychologists explain some instances of depression can be as a result of a specific factor from the list of factors provided. This aspect of depression can be applied to Joe’s case – the fact that his biological parents and two of his uncles were victims of depression proves Joe’s condition is as a result of genetic attribution of the disorder – however, “the fact that his depression only manifested after him losing his job and being divorced is evident that depression is caused by a combination of factors as explained by Cochran and Rabinowitz” (2010).

The advancement of technology in the clinical psychology field indicate that depression is a disorder of the brain. Technologies such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) used to image the brain reveal that parts of the brain responsible for mood, sleep, thinking, behavior, and appetite function abnormally. Depression is twice as common in women than in men implying that women suffer depression and are more likely to be depressed than men. Studies indicate that the lifecycle, biological, and hormonal changes among other factors in women is associated with their higher rates of depression.

Depression can be cured in many ways including medication, herbal therapy, and psychotherapy. All the methods are effective, but the most recommended treatment method is psychotherapy that involves sessions between a depressed person and a psychotherapist for a defined period. The condition can also be managed from the victim’s perspective and that of the family members close to the victim and friends. “This can be done through emotional and psychological support to the patient to help them manage the condition” (Thiele, Laireiter, & Baumann, 2012).

It is important to understand the essentials of clinical psychology as it pertains to depression to help in situations of depression. For instance, clinical psychology can be used to evaluate Joe’s mental disorder and recommend effective treatment methods to cure his depressive illness successfully. Unlike other clinical treatment methods, incorporating psychologists in managing Joe’s condition is advantageous since it would look at the broader picture and include his family (wife and kids) in treating the condition. However, clinical psychology is a lengthy and tedious process and requires the cooperation of people involved to be successful. This is the main setback of clinical psychology.

References

Cochran, S. V., & Rabinowitz, F. E. (2010). Men and depression. In Clinical and Empirical Perspectives. Academic Press, San Diego.

Thiele, C., Laireiter, A. R., & Baumann, U. (2012). Diaries in clinical psychology and psychotherapy: A selective review. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, 9(1), 1-37.