NEDA TOOLKIT for Parents
Psychodrama A method of psychotherapy in which
patients enact the relevant events in their lives
instead of simply talking about them.
Psychodynamic Therapy Psychodynamic theory
views the human personality as developing from
interactions between conscious and unconscious
mental processes. The purpose of all forms of
psychodynamic treatment is to bring unconscious
mental material and processes into full
consciousness so that the patient can gain more
control over his/her life.
Psychodynamic Group Therapy Psychodynamic
groups are based on the same principles as
individual psychodynamic therapy and aim to help
people with past difficulties, relationships, and
trauma, as well as current problems. The groups are
typically composed of eight members plus one or
two therapists.
Psychoeducational Therapy A treatment intended to
teach people about their problem, how to treat it,
and how to recognize signs of relapse so that they
can get necessary treatment before their difficulty
worsens or recurs. Family psychoeducation includes
teaching coping strategies and problem-solving
skills to families, friends, and/or caregivers to help
them deal more effectively with the individual.
Psychopathological Rating Scale Self-Rating Scale
for Affective Syndromes (CPRS-SA) A test used to
estimate the severity of depression, anxiety, and
obsession in an individual.
Psychopharmacotherapy Use of drugs for treatment
of a mental or emotional disorder.
Psychotherapy The treatment of mental and
emotional disorders through the use of psychologic
techniques (some of which are described below)
designed to encourage communication of conflicts
and insight into problems, with the goal being relief
of symptoms, changes in behavior leading to
improved social and vocational functioning, and
personality growth.
Purging To evacuate the contents of the stomach or
bowels by any of several means. In bulimia, purging
is used to compensate for excessive food intake.
Methods of purging include vomiting, enemas, and
excessive exercise.
Recovery Retreat See Residential Treatment Center.
Relaxation Training A technique involving tightly
contracting and releasing muscles with the intent to
release or reduce stress.
Remission A period in which the symptoms of a
disease are absent. Remission differs from the
concept of “cure” in that the disease can return. The
term “cure” signifies that the treated condition or
disorder is permanently gone, never to return in the
individual who received treatment.
Residential Services Services delivered in a
structured residence other than the hospital or a
client’s home.
Residential Treatment Center A 24-hour residential
environment outside the home that includes 24-hour
provision or access to support personnel capable of
meeting the client’s needs.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI) A class
of antidepressants used to treat depression, anxiety
disorders, and some personality disorders. These
drugs are designed to elevate the level of the
neurotransmitter serotonin. A low level of serotonin
is currently seen as one of several neurochemical
symptoms of depression. Low levels of serotonin in
turn can be caused by an anxiety disorder, because
serotonin is needed to metabolize stress hormones.
Self-directedness A personality trait that comprises
self-confidence, reliability, responsibility,
resourcefulness, and goal orientation.
Self-guided Cognitive Behavior Therapy A modified
form of cognitive behavior therapy in which a
treatment manual is provided for people to proceed
with treatment on their own, or with support from a
nonprofessional. Guided self-help usually implies
that the support person may or may not have some
professional training, but is usually not a specialist in
eating disorders. The important characteristics of the
self-help approach are the use of a highly structured
and detailed manual-based CBT, with guidance as to
the appropriateness of self-help, and advice on
where to seek additional help.
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