Download Target Questions Set 11 1) If there is a biological basis for

Target Questions Set 11
1) If there is a biological basis for depression, how can we prevent ourselves from becoming
depressed?
Depression is linked to genetic influences and an imbalance of chemicals such as the
scarce amount of norepinephrine and serotonin. To overcome this, some people eat
omega-3 rich foods, such as fish and walnuts to support mental health; In Japan where
people eat many of the previously listed foods, the depression rate is lower than other
countries. Also, those biologically predisposed for depression should avoid heavy
alcohol consumption, which can perpetuate negative feelings and depression.
Another way to prevent depression is to have close and supportive relationships with
one’s family. It is shown that depression is common among Western countries because
“epidemic hopelessness stems from the rise of individualism and the decline of
commitment to religion and family”. Those with more close-knit relationships are
provided more positive support, and therefore are less susceptible to being unable to
cope with failure and insult. Through healthy diet and relationships, one can help
prevent oneself from becoming depressed, even if we are biologically predisposed for
the disease.
2) Refute the statement, “There is one best type of psychotherapy.”
Psychotherapy is defined as, “The treatment of mental and emotional disorders through
the use of psychological techniques 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”. Because
there are many types of psychological diseases, it would make sense that there are
many different ways to treat those afflictions. The four main approaches (treatments) as
discussed in the text are psychoanalysis, humanistic, behavior and cognitive. Under
these four “umbrella ideas”, there are more specific subcategories.
Psychoanalysis is when a therapist uses free association to “unearth the past in hope of
unmasking the present”; this kind of treatment is effective in treating depression.
The Humanistic approach emphasizes people’s inherent potential for self-fulfillment. It
emphasizes for therapists to exhibit genuineness, acceptance and empathy in order to
let their clients feel accepted.
Behavior therapies apply learning principles to eliminate unwanted behaviors such as
phobias or sexual disorders.
Cognitive therapies are used by therapists to deal with depression and eating disorders.
Because different disease have different symptoms, it’s obvious that there would be
different therapies to treat/cope with different diseases.