Understanding Psychology (10th Ed)

R E T H I N K
1. One of the main criticisms of biological therapies is that 
they treat the symptoms of mental disorder without un-
covering and treating the underlying problems from 
which people are suffering. Do you agree with this criti-
cism? Why?
2. From the perspective of a politician: How would you go 
about regulating the use of electroconvulsive therapy and 
psychosurgery? Would you restrict their use or make ei-
ther one completely illegal? Why?
 Answers to Evaluate Questions 
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Looking
Back
 Psychology on the Web
1. Investigate computer-assisted psychotherapy on the web. Locate (a) a computerized 
therapy program, such as ELIZA, which off ers “therapy” over the Internet, and (b) a 
report on “cybertherapy,” in which therapists use the web to interact with patients. 
Compare the two approaches; describe how each one works and relate it to the 
therapeutic approaches you have studied.
2. Find more information on the web about deinstitutionalization. Try to fi nd pro and 
con arguments about it and summarize the arguments, including your judgment of 
the eff ectiveness and advisability of deinstitutionalization as an approach to dealing 
with mental illness.
We have examined how psychological professionals treat 
people with psychological disorders. We have considered 
a range of approaches that include both psychologically based and biologically based 
therapies. Clearly, the fi eld has made substantial progress in recent years both in treating 
the symptoms of mental disorders and in understanding their underlying causes. 
Before we leave the topic of treatment of psychological disorders, turn back to the 
prologue in which Marg MacKrell’s Tourette syndrome was treated by a new therapy. On 
the basis of your understanding of the treatment of psychological disorders, consider the 
following questions.