Question

A client has been diagnosed as having a specific phobia and a psychiatrist has prescribed medication. This psychiatrist most likely follows the ____ model of psychological disorders.

Answer 1

The psychiatrist likely adheres to the medical model of psychological disorders, treating psychological issues with medication similar to physical diseases, in line with the DSM-5 guidelines.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a psychiatrist has prescribed medication for a client diagnosed with a specific phobia, this psychiatrist most likely follows the medical model of psychological disorders. According to the medical model, psychological disorders are seen as illnesses that have biological causes and that can be treated with medications, much like physical ailments. The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.), often referred to as DSM-5, outlines the criteria for diagnosing specific phobias and other mental health conditions and supports this biologically oriented approach to treatment.

Contrasting approaches can be seen in other cultures. For example, in Thailand, certain mental conditions are integrated into the cultural framework and not treated solely as illnesses requiring medication. However, the scenario described in the question specifically deals with a clinical setting where medication has been prescribed, underscoring a biomedical approach to treatment, which emphasizes the role of pharmacotherapy in managing psychiatric disorders.

Answer 2

A psychiatrist prescribing medication for a specific phobia likely adheres to the medical model of psychological disorders, which treats such conditions with pharmaceuticals based on their biological underpinnings.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a psychiatrist has prescribed medication for a client diagnosed with a specific phobia, the psychiatrist most likely follows the medical model of psychological disorders. This approach is grounded in the idea that psychological disorders have a biological basis and can be treated with pharmaceutical interventions. The medical model is further supported by the diagnostic criteria provided in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) by the American Psychiatric Association, which outlines specific phobias as a category of anxiety disorders that can be addressed pharmacologically.