How are psychological disorders treated, and what makes an intervention effective?
Describe and evaluate biological, psychological and social treatments and interventions for mental health problems.
An overview of biological, psychological and social treatments for mental health, including medication, CBT and psychotherapy, and how their effectiveness is evaluated.
Reviewed by: AI editorial process; not yet individually human-reviewed
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What this dot point is asking
You need to describe the main types of treatment and intervention for mental health problems and evaluate how effective and appropriate each is.
The biopsychosocial framework
Treatments map onto the biopsychosocial model of mental health: a problem may have biological, psychological and social causes, so interventions can target any of these levels. Many people receive a combination, which often works better than any single approach alone.
Biological treatments
Biological treatments act on the body and brain.
Medication. Antidepressants (for example SSRIs that increase available serotonin), anti-anxiety drugs, antipsychotics and mood stabilisers. Drugs can reduce symptoms quickly but may have side effects and do not address underlying psychological or social causes.
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Used for severe, treatment-resistant depression. Effective for some patients but invasive and used as a later option.
Strength: can be fast-acting and accessible.
Weakness: side effects, possible relapse when stopped, and a focus on symptoms rather than causes.
Psychological treatments
Psychological treatments use structured conversation and learning.
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). A widely used, evidence-based therapy that identifies and changes unhelpful thoughts and behaviours. Strongly supported for anxiety and depression and usually time-limited.
- Psychodynamic therapy. Explores unconscious conflicts and early experiences; longer and harder to evaluate.
- Humanistic and person-centred therapy. Carl Rogers' approach uses unconditional positive regard and empathy to support self-directed growth.
- Behaviour therapies. Techniques such as systematic desensitisation use classical conditioning principles to treat phobias.
- Strength: addresses underlying patterns and gives lasting skills.
- Weakness: requires time, motivation and a trained therapist; access can be limited.
Social interventions
Social approaches change the person's environment and supports.
- Social support from family, friends and peer groups.
- Community mental health programs and support services.
- Lifestyle changes: exercise, sleep, reducing alcohol and other drugs.
These reduce isolation and stress and can prevent relapse, though they are usually used alongside biological or psychological treatment rather than alone for serious disorders.
Evaluating effectiveness
Effectiveness is judged by evidence from controlled research, symptom reduction, relapse rates, side effects, cost and accessibility, and the person's own goals. Ethical practice requires informed consent, confidentiality and treatments matched to the individual rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
The strongest evidence comes from randomised controlled trials (RCTs), in which clients are randomly allocated to a treatment group or a control group (often a placebo or a waitlist) and outcomes are compared. Random allocation controls for individual differences, and a placebo control separates the active effect of the treatment from the effect of simply expecting to improve. A useful evaluation point is that subjective improvement alone is weak evidence because of the placebo effect; a treatment is only judged effective if it outperforms a credible control. Meta-analyses then combine many trials to estimate the average effect size, which is why CBT's recommendation as a first-line therapy rests on pooled evidence rather than single studies.
Culturally responsive treatment
Treatments must also be culturally appropriate. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients, social and emotional wellbeing models that include connection to community, culture and Country can be more effective than a narrowly individual, Western medical approach. Matching the treatment to the person's cultural context is part of valid, ethical practice and links directly to the biopsychosocial idea that social factors shape both the cause and the cure of distress.
Exam-style practice questions
Practice questions written in the style of SACE Board exam questions on this dot point, with worked answer explainers. The year tag is the paper they imitate, not the source.
SACE 20194 marksAssertiveness training begins with a psychologist helping clients to recognise that their current behaviour is preventing them from achieving their goals. Describe two other steps involved in assertiveness training.Show worked answer →
Four marks: describe two further steps (roughly 2 marks each), beyond the initial recognition step.
Learning and rehearsing assertive responses. The client is taught the difference between passive, aggressive and assertive communication and then practises assertive techniques, such as using "I" statements and making clear, direct requests, often through role-play with the therapist modelling and giving feedback.
Applying the new skills in real situations and reviewing progress. The client gradually puts assertive behaviour into practice in everyday life, starting with low-risk situations, then reflects on the outcomes with the therapist and refines the responses. Reinforcement of successful attempts builds confidence and maintains the new behaviour.
Markers want two distinct, ordered steps that go beyond simply recognising the problem.
SACE 20202 marksDescribe one specific benefit of assertiveness training for aggressive individuals.Show worked answer →
Two marks: name a benefit specific to aggressive individuals and explain it.
A key benefit is that assertiveness training gives aggressive individuals a constructive way to express their needs and stand up for themselves without resorting to hostility or intimidation. By learning to communicate directly and respectfully (for example through calm "I" statements rather than threats), the person can still achieve their goals while improving relationships and reducing conflict with others. This replaces damaging aggressive behaviour with socially effective behaviour, which improves their workplace and personal interactions. The answer must tie the benefit specifically to reducing aggression, not just to general confidence.