Glossary of Common Treatments:
For applications of different treatments relating to specific disorders please look at the mental illness listed under child, adolescents and adults for a more detailed description of the treatment options.

Behavior Modification – Is a program designed on rewarding positive behavior to increase the frequency of such behaviors.  Behavior Modification can be used by psychotherapists, parents and care takers.  It can involve the following techniques, reward punishment, aversion therapy and reinforcement.  Behavior Modification therapists use the ABC behavior based system, which is Antecedent, Behavior and Consequence.  Any type of Behavior modification program should be designed by a professional.

Behavioral Therapy- Behavioral Therapy is usually shorter and less expensive to administer than other therapies.  This form of therapy aims to change behavior without focusing on a person's inner conflicts and to discourage problematic behaviors and to teach new, more desirable behaviors.  Behavioral Therapy is commonly used to treat phobias, separation anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), alcohol dependence, eating disorders (such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa), hyperventilation, Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Conduct Disorder.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Is commonly used to treat a variety of mental health issues.  It is a form of psychotherapy that puts emphasis on the role of how we think (cognition), feel (emotional) and act (behavior).  The foundation of CBT suggests that thinking causes us to feel and act the way we do, so if an individual has negative feelings and behaviors, it is considered important to recognize the thoughts that are causing this and to learn how to change the negative thinking with thoughts that lead to more pleasant reactions.  
There are a number of approaches to CBT, such as Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, Rational Behavior Therapy, Rational Living Therapy, Cognitive Therapy, and Dialectic Behavior Therapy.

Exposure therapy- Is considered to be a good way to overcome some types of anxiety disorders and panic attacks.  The basis of exposure therapy is the more you practice it the better you become.  Exposure therapy is a process where a person is exposed to the fearful situation or objects.  The therapy may be done ‘in vivo’ (real situation or object) or through visualization techniques.  This approach may work for some people but may not be suitable for others.

Hospitalization- A psychiatrist’s decision to admit a patient to hospital may depend on the severity of the illness and the absence of social support or caregivers at home.

Medication - Medications can be harmful when not taken precisely as prescribed by a qualified and licensed doctor, such as a psychiatrist.  Contained within each medicine lists a description, common prescriptions, side-effects and contra-indications of the medication.  If you have any doubts or questions about the medication you, a partner, or your child is taking then check with your doctor.  An important caution is not to change the dose (amount) or type of medication without checking with the doctor who originally prescribed it.  Over time people can experience some side effects when altering type, amount or discontinuing medication without guidance from a qualified and licensed doctor.

Nutritional Therapy - Combines science, biochemistry and nutrition, with naturopathy, natural medicine, to return an individual to a state of good health.  Nutritional therapy is a holistic approach that treats the body as a whole.  In the case of eating disorders (such as anorexia and bulimia) nutritional therapy tries to adjust attitudes and support the individual by implementing proper diets, use supplements and reverse the self-destructive nature of the illness.

Psychotherapy (individual, family and group therapy) - Uses a range of techniques that utilize dialogue and communication and are designed to improve the wellbeing of a client or improve relationships, such as family or marital.  The aim of psychotherapy is to discuss problems or issues to discover the underlying problem and then attempt a solution based on the problem.  There are a number approaches to psychotherapy, some common types are; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person Centered, Existentialism, Psychoanalysis, Narrative Therapy and Family Therapy. 

Group therapy is like individual psychotherapy, however as the name suggests group therapy is with a whole group and one or two therapists.  Group therapy focuses on addressing interpersonal interactions, emotional difficulties and encourages personal development.  The interactions and experiences between members of the group and the therapist(s) is the foundation of this type of therapy.  

Relaxation therapy – Teaches relaxation techniques to overcome anxiety, phobias or panic attacks.  Some techniques may include focusing, meditation and biofeedback.

Support network – Is useful for any age or reason.  A support network can include family, friends and teachers who we are comfortable talking to about personal problems.

www.mustbemental.com does not necessarily endorse any of the treatments listed above and recommends that any form of
treatment for a mental illness should be overseen by a relevant mental health professional.