PS280 Study Guide - Final Guide: Therapeutic Relationship, Object Relations Theory, Psychopathy
Document Summary
Gorton & akhtar (1990) observed two important factors make it difficult to evaluate treatment w. Pds: (1) many of these patients are not themselves upset by their characteristic personality style and so do not seek treatment (2) the dropout rates from treatment among these patients is extremely high. Bc individuals w pds have difficulties in relationships, this understandably translates into difficulties forming and maintaining a strong therapeutic alliance in therapy. Treatment provided to individuals w aspd or psychopathy tends to be court-ordered or provided in prison (likely not best environment for developing trusting therapeutic alliance) Many w pds have problems maintaining focus on the therapeutic process b/w sessions. Even when focus is on another condition, patients who also have a pd do more poorly. Sperry (2003)"s five basic premises essential to achieving effective treatment outcomes w pd patients: (1) pds best conceptualized in a way that considers both biological and psychological factors.
