What is clinical psychology?
Clinical psychology is a branch of general psychology that is responsible for the evaluation,diagnosis, prevention and treatment of people suffering from some pathologies of psychological origin, which is aimed at the recovery of mental health and quality of lifeofthe human being. (1)
You should know: The creator of the term “clinical psychology” and the co-founder of the first psychological clinic in 1896, at theUniversity of Pennsylvania, was the American psychologist Lightner Witmer. (2)
This field of psychology uses many theories that have emerged in the world such aspsychoanaly sisfounded bySigmund Freud(3) and that over many years, have tried to understand and explain human behavior.
Similarly, this discipline serves as abasis and support for others within the same branch such asdevelopmental psychology,education,consumer, family psychology, work, forensicand eve nneuropsychology.
What is the function of clinical psychology?
The functions of clinical psychologyfocus on people’s mental health, using techniques and procedures that we mention below:
1. Investigate the elements that influence disorders and behaviors
The clinical psychologist at this point focuses on knowing the elements that negatively affect the behavior of human beings, on investigating the elements that participate in their distortion, this being one of the characteristics of clinical psychology.
To highlight: In this aspect, it is important for clinical psychologists to reason and interpret how the perception of some external and even internal stimuli that can cause mental suffering affect the minds of some patients .
2. Diagnose, treat and prevent mental disorders
Another of the functions of clinical psychologists is the psychological evaluation of the patient to find out the mental health conditions in which he is found and accordingly, choose the most appropriate therapeutic intervention strategy for each case.
In addition, it is empowered to Give Preventive Guidelines to avoid exposure to different elements that can significantly affect The Mental Health of human beings.
3. Restore balance and psychological well-being
Clinical psychology through the application of strategies, techniques and methods, seeks to restore the mental balance and psychological well-being of people.
Note: Currently, clinical psychology has a large number of therapeutic options to mitigate the symptoms of many mental illnesses and even to cure them, in addition to having the support of other disciplines of medical science that complement psychological intervention.
What diseases and disorders does clinical psychology address?
Clinical psychology addresses some psychological disorders, which we mention below:
1. Depression, anxiety and sleep disorders
which manifests itself with a feeling of constant sadness and a
On the other hand, anxiety is another disorder that consists of a persistent and excessive worry about activities or events, including those that have not yet happened and is caused by some trauma, stress or problems in your environment.
You should know: The sleep disorder is related to the Individual’s inability to fall asleep at night , affecting their mental health (4)tag. All these pathologiesare treated by clinical psychology from its appearance to its cure.
2. Bipolar, obsessive-compulsive and personality disorder
Bipolar disorder is a type of mental pathology, where the patient manifests compulsive changes in their mood , going from euphoria to aggressiveness without warning. (5)
For its part, obsessive-compulsive disorder is characterized by a generalized concern for order, perfectionism without room for flexibility and for this they focus on rules, procedures, schedules and lists that allow them to have control. (6)
Note: This type of personality disorder is also the responsibility of clinical psychology whose treatment is more complex and requires dedication.
3. Sexual abuse, dysfunctions and emotional dependence
Sexual abuse creates delicate situations in the minds (traumas) of those who suffer it and that can remain hidden in the unconscious, which includes any form of sexual contact with force or intimidation. (7)
These traumas and behavioral disorders correspond to be treated by clinical psychology , because there are sufficient scientific tools for their intervention.
What are the fields of action of clinical psychology?
As described throughout this article, the purpose of clinical psychology is topreserve the mentalhealthof the human beingand promote its integral development.
Key Findings
- Clinical psychology is responsible for the evaluation, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of disorders of psychological origin.
- Clinical psychology is oriented towards the recovery of mental health and the quality of life of the human being.
- This discipline focuses on knowing the elements that negatively affect the behavior of human beings.
- This branch of general psychology reasons and interprets how the perception of some environmental stimuli affect the human mind.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.