Thereis a new doctor in town. He is cold and hard, and along with his pal, the Internet, he can treat you. He is your computer.
Lawanna Brock Talks about Virtual Therapy: Wave of the Future?
Depression is a mood disorder characterized by the absence of a positive effect, low mood, and various associated emotional, physical, cognitive, and behavioral symptoms. Associated symptoms include sadness, pessimism, loss of interest, changes in sleep, decreased appetite, and decreased motivation. New technology has allowed depression to now be treated by way of computer. European countries are actively promoting the use of various software programs and this evolving treatment modality is popping up more and more in the research literature. Is it the wave of the future? Can people actually treat themselves with the aid of technology? Lawanna Brock reports that around any new innovative treatment lingers controversy. The concept of computerized cognitive behavior therapy (known as CCBT) is an interesting topic among mental health professionals. Many therapists simply don’t believe it works while others question its acceptability with their patients. Many do not initiate it because they don’t know enough about it. But many fear it as a replacement. Man-versus-machine. Advancing technology is much like a rose with many thorns.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is based on the premise that inaccurate beliefs and maladaptive information processing have a casual role in depression and anxiety. It was developed by Aaron Beck in the 1960’s and in 1979 he and his colleagues had developed a detailed treatment manual for CBT. The aim of this treatment is to help patients acquire the abilities to identify the thought and images that accompany and precede the experience of upsetting emotions, distance themselves from the beliefs implied by these thoughts and images, question these beliefs for validity, and identify the themes in the content of these thoughts and images.
According to the research by Lawanna Brock, there are now over 100 computer-aided psychotherapy systems identified worldwide, many of them delivering CBT. One review found 97 different ones from nine countries when 175 studies were evaluated. The first one burst onto the therapy scene in the 1980’s, was developed by Dr. Selmi and associates, and was proven to be effective. This virtual therapy offers an alternative for depressed people who refuse therapy due to stigma, cost, or convenience issues. Most CCBT programs offer weekly sessions of around 40 - 50 minutes that involve cognitive restructuring without human contact. Minimal support by a mental healthcare professional is required. These programs focus on changing automatic thoughts and core beliefs to assist learning and retention. In addition, most computer-based therapy offers an introductory session involving psychoeducation, and then a final session on relapse prevention. Various types are available and can include email or phone contact with a therapist and direct feedback to the user as well. One free online program is Mood Gym by the Australian National University. Another one is myRay “peace of mind in a stressful world” by Dr. Michael Benjamin.
Depression has been noted by the World Health Organization (WHO) to be a significant public health problem with lifetime prevalence from 4.9% to 17%. Lawanna Brock found that due to the shortage of licensed trained cognitive behavior therapists, this emerging intervention offers a cost-effective solution for those on waiting lists for therapy treatments. Cost analysis and economic research tells us that virtual therapy not only has proven clinical effectiveness, but cost effectiveness as well.
Understanding ADHD: A Comprehensive Overview
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It is estimated to affect about 5% of children and 2.5% of adults worldwide, according to the American Psychiatric Association. Contrary to common misconceptions, ADHD is not just a childhood disorder; it can continue into adulthood and have significant impacts on daily functioning and quality of life. This article delves into the nuances of ADHD, including its subtypes, causes, diagnosis, symptoms, and management strategies, while highlighting lesser-known statistics and facts about the condition.Beach Bummers – Beach Injuries and Safety Tips
If the beach looks empty except for you, your kids, your friends, and your lawn chairs and cooler, look again. Chances are you are in an area that has a high count of marine creatures. Lots of sea life call the beach and ocean home.Toddler Senses
Your baby will grow rapidly and as she grows, she must make sense of the world around her. She does this through sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch, her five senses. Knowing what is going on with your little one’s senses will allow you to stimulate her and help her grow and develop normally.