Disordered Attention: Implications for Understanding and Treating Internalizing and Externalizing Disorders in
Kristina Hiatt Racer1, Thomas J Dishion
1University of Oregon, Eugene.
Cognitive and Behavioral Practice
|February 1, 2013
Summary
Attention deficits are common in many psychological disorders. Addressing these attention issues can significantly enhance traditional therapies and improve patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Attention disorders are frequently observed across a spectrum of psychological conditions.
- These attentional deficits can significantly impact the efficacy of standard treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present evidence for the prevalence of attention disorders in psychological conditions.
- To explore the role of attention assessment and training as adjuncts to traditional therapies.
- To provide guidance on implementing attention-focused treatments in clinical settings.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on attention disorders in psychological conditions.
- Detailed examination of attention training methodologies.
- Discussion of practical clinical implementation strategies for attention-focused interventions.
Main Results:
- Evidence supports the widespread presence of attention disorders in various psychological disorders.
- Attention training demonstrates potential as a valuable addition to conventional therapeutic approaches.
- Specific methods for integrating attention-focused treatment into clinical practice are outlined.
Conclusions:
- Attention difficulties are a significant factor in a broad range of psychological disorders.
- Targeted assessment and treatment of attention problems can augment standard care.
- Attention-focused interventions offer a promising avenue for enhancing therapeutic outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
01:28Conduct Disorder
Conduct disorder is a complex mental health diagnosis characterized by a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior that violates societal norms, the rights of others, or age-appropriate rules. The diagnostic criteria for conduct disorder require the presence of at least three problematic behaviors within the past 12 months, with at least one occurring in the past six months. These behaviors are grouped into four categories: aggression toward people and animals; destruction of property;...
01:29Theoretical Approaches to Psychological Disorder
The development of psychological disorders, which are characterized by deviant, maladaptive, and personally distressing behaviors, has been explored through several theoretical approaches.
Biological approach
The biological approach posits that internal, organic factors are the primary causes of such disorders. This perspective emphasizes brain structure and function, genetic predispositions, and neurotransmitter imbalances. For example, schizophrenia has been associated with both genetic...
Biological approach
The biological approach posits that internal, organic factors are the primary causes of such disorders. This perspective emphasizes brain structure and function, genetic predispositions, and neurotransmitter imbalances. For example, schizophrenia has been associated with both genetic...
01:30Oppositional Defiant Disorder
A persistent pattern of angry or irritable mood, defiant behavior, or vindictiveness characterizes Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). Symptoms must occur over at least six months, involve interactions with individuals beyond siblings, and meet specific diagnostic criteria to be clinically significant. The disorder affects emotional regulation, social interactions, and behavior, often manifesting early in life and influencing long-term development and functioning.
Diagnostic Criteria and...
Diagnostic Criteria and...
01:19Introduction to Psychological Disorders
Abnormal behavior, often referred to as mental illness, results from changes in brain function that influence thought patterns, behaviors, and social interactions. Psychologists and psychiatrists typically assess abnormal behavior using three primary criteria: deviance, maladaptation, and personal distress, particularly when these traits persist over long periods.
Deviant Behavior
Deviance in behavior refers to actions or thought patterns that significantly diverge from societal norms or...
Deviant Behavior
Deviance in behavior refers to actions or thought patterns that significantly diverge from societal norms or...
01:26Modeling in Therapy
Modeling, a key technique in therapy, uses observational learning to help clients acquire and practice new skills by watching therapists demonstrate desired behaviors. This approach, rooted in Albert Bandura's concept of vicarious learning, plays a significant role in therapeutic interventions for various psychological conditions, including social anxiety, ADHD, and depression.
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in situations...
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in situations...