Even if psychoactive drugs are prescribed, non-drug therapy is also recommended.
The type of approach varies according to the underlying illness, and may include the following: Psychodynamic psychotherapy Attempts to uncover the source of mental disturbance by having the patient talk freely, especially about childhood experiences and dreams.
In its classic Freudian form, it is conducted individually, with the patient talking while the therapist listens.
One on one psychoanalysis is the most intensive, lengthy, and expensive form of psychotherapy, requiring from one to five sessions a week for three to five years.
Variations on this approach include group, couple, or family therapy, in which a therapist :greats more than one patient simultaneously.
Short or time limited psychotherapy has evolved as a popular alternative to classic psychotherapy.
In this approach, the patient and therapist agree upon a specific goal and the number of sessions needed to achieve it.
Cognitive therapy which is also a short term treatment, seeks to identify and correct distorted thought processes that result in self defeating behavior.
For example, if you are invariably late in meeting assignments because you cannot get started before a deadline looms, the therapist will help pinpoint the attitudes responsible for your poor work habits, and suggest ways to change them.
This approach is especially effective in treating depression.
Behavior modification Focuses on correcting a faulty habit or behavior without addressing any of the underlying psychological aspects.
It is especially helpful in overcoming phobias,bad habits such as smoking, eating disorders, and certain compulsive behavior such as obsessive hand washing.