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Introduction to OCD: Early literature indicates that Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) has been a recognised psychological condition for centuries and its depiction has evolved significantly over time. Initially a predominant perspective was processed through a spiritual or moral lens, but our understanding has transformed dramatically with corresponding advancements in psychology and psychiatry. This has led to the development of more scientific and evidence-based approaches. Historical Treatments to Modern Advances: Initially, approaches towards treating OCD were rudimentary and often misconceived and ranged from religious rituals to invasive medical procedures. 20th century advances aided in modernising the treatment and understanding of OCD initially through psychoanalysis and later due to the introduction of behavioural therapies. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) as it evolved in London emerged as a game-changer, offering a structured and empirical method to tackle OCD. Victor Meyer's Contributions at UCL: Whilst working at University College London, Victor Meyer pioneered the technique of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), which is a specific element within the world of CBT. By systematically exposing patients to what provokes their obsessions whilst teaching them to refrain, delay or adjust their compulsive responses, ERP offered a very effective approach in aiding the effective management of OCD.  The Advent of Online and Telephone Therapy: The digital age has further revolutionised OCD treatment, making it more accessible than ever. As many clients with OCD can be avoidant and not leave their own abode. OCD online therapy and telephone counselling have become vital tools to reach this client base. Allowing individuals to receive treatment from the comfort of their homes also greatly helps patients that would otherwise not seek any treatment support. Remote Therapy breaks down geographical barriers and can also facilitate the treatment of disadvantaged communities. OCD Specialists in London: As ERP was invented in London, the city has become a hub for OCD treatment. Many specialists such as Professor David Veale and many clinics include both traditional and innovative therapies. When searching for suitable treatment, it is important to look for experts that include Meyer's ERP approach, alongside other CBT practices. London is able to offer comprehensive and personalised treatment plans for individuals with OCD, as sufferers of this condition can often present with corresponding problems such as people pleasing, perfectionism and conflict avoidance. Staying in the Past: Although many treatment types exist that provide a spectrum of services from in-person sessions to OCD online therapy and telephone counselling, it is important to not only focus on hypothesising with a therapist why their OCD and related difficulties exist in the first place. OCD needs to be actively addressed as there is no explanatory mechanism of why OCD develops that has a sufficient evidence base. Conclusion: When one appreciates the early misconceptions of OCD all the way to today's advanced and nuanced treatments one can clearly notice a significant progress in mental health care. Ongoing research and the evolution of technology through new developments such as AI and Augmented Reality, future approaches for treating OCD are only going to improve. This may provide hope and improved quality of life for those affected by this challenging condition.
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Constructivism and evolutionary psychology are two different paradigms within psychology that investigate and try and understand human psychology, aspects within human environments such as culture and corresponding behaviours. Both can complement each other but also have fundamental differences. Constructivism: Constructivism is a theory in psychology that emphasises the importance of individuals and how their environment and resulting experiences influence their view of the world. It therefore suggests that people actively build their perceptions of reality based on their experiences. Constructivism has a prominent influence in fields such as Social Psychology. Constructivist theories often focus on the importance of social and cultural factors in shaping humans and can even influence the vantage point from which research is conducted within some fields of Psychology. Evolutionary Psychology: Evolutionary psychology (EP) is a theoretical approach that seeks to explain human behaviour and cognition in terms of the adaptive functions they served in ancestral environments (helpful adjustments to one’s environment). The era which formed human psychology is called the EEA (Era of Evolutionary Adaptedness). EP states that many of the human behaviours and cognitive processes evolved through natural selection because of their advantageous nature. Evolutionary psychologists often study universal human tendencies that may have evolutionary roots, such as mate selection, parental investment and threat based processing such as a fear of predators. These two approaches can offer different perspectives on human behaviours and don’t have to necessarily oppose each other. In fact, they can be complementary: Constructivism can provide insights into how individuals perceive and interpret information, including how they navigate social and cultural contexts and how these in turn reinforce aspects of human nature. Evolutionary psychology can offer explanations for why certain human tendencies (proximate and ultimate explanations) might be universal across cultures or why certain tendencies even exist in the first place. Conflicts can arise when constructivist theories emphasise the importance of social and cultural influences and how the shape human nature, to the point of neglecting the role of evolved psychological mechanisms (nurture vs. nature). In turn some argue that evolutionary psychologists may sometimes overlook the significance of individual experiences and social context in shaping behaviour.  Both paradigms have influenced different fields of counselling psychology and psychotherapy. Counselling has especially laid a lot of value on constructivism by trying to create narratives of how people became who they are through their environment. When looking for therapy near you, you may have a personal preference as to which paradigm you prefer. Styles like CBT often place a lot of value on both approaches and will include evolutionary psychology in order to for example explain threat based processing. The nature of your difficulties will often most determine which style of therapy is relevant. Not so much whether you do telephone counselling or therapy vs in-person sessions. Some like to explore their difficulties and some like to also work on them. Some require a systematic approach to address a certain problem and some don’t. In summary, while constructivism and evolutionary psychology approach the study of human behaviour from different vantage points, they can both contribute valuable insights towards our understanding of human beings and further research may highlight how their differences are not necessarily irreconcilable. |
AuthorI am a full time Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist (CBT) in Richmond, London. Archives
July 2024
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