STUDENT OUTLINE
Discuss the use of eclectic approaches to treatment
Introduction
1. Definition: Eclectic approach to treatment that incorporates principles or
techniques from various systems of theories, including biomedical, individual and
group therapy. It recognizes the strengths and limitations of the various therapies,
and tailors sessions to the needs of the individual client or group.

Similar to other treatment plans, there are distinct advantages and disadvantages to
the eclectic approach.

Although there are possible disadvantages to the eclectic approach, it seems to be
the most integrative approach to treatment that is most effective in reducing
symptoms of psychological disorders.
Paragraph 1
By combining different therapies, the eclectic approach demonstrates many
advantages in treating depressive symptoms

One advantage is that the eclectic approach is most effective in reducing relapse rates.
o
A huge drawback to using biomedical approach is that it accounts for high
relapse rates. The eclectic approach aims to compensate for significant relapse
rates.
o
Relapse rates are when the patient begins to show symptoms of the disorder
after having been considered symptom free.

Evidence 1:

Rush et al. (1977): suggest the higher relapse rate for those
treated with drugs arises because patients in a cognitive therapy
program learn skills to cope with depression that the patients
given drugs do not.

Evidence 2:

Hollon and Beck (1994): A growing number of studies is showing
that cognitive therapies are more effective than drug treatment
alone at preventing relapse or recurrence except when drug
treatment is continued long-term.
o
Another advantage to the eclectic approach is that overall compliance with the
doctors instructions increases

Evidence 1:

Segal noted that about 40% of patients do not take
antidepressants as directed.
o
This can be detrimental to the patient’s condition, and
only further hinders their ability to get better.
o
Compliance with the doctor’s instructions increases after
psychotherapy, so when patients combine drugs with
therapy there is an overall increase in the effectiveness of
their treatment.

Evidence 2:

Hollan adds that when you combine them, psychotherapy and
drugs maintain their individual benefits, giving the patient a
more complete treatment.
o
The eclectic approach provides a variation of treatments that combines the
advantages of different approaches in hopes of combating their limitations. The
effectiveness of this approach lies in its flexibility and modification ability to
suite the individual the best.
Paragraph 2

Advantages aside, we must also consider the limitations presented by the
eclectic treatment for depression.
o
Due to cultural differences, it is difficult to integrate different
approaches to suite the needs of each specific culture. Some approaches
may not work best for all cultures, but may work best for others.

Mutlaq and Chaleby (1995): applied to Arab cultures

There are strict gender roles, deference to members in
the group based on age or tribal status, and the
misperception that the therapy session is simply another
social activity.


o
In this case, group therapy is proven ineffective
NEED MORE SUPPORTING EVIDENCE
However, eclectic approaches can also be most effective when it is
culturally specific.

Flaws (2003)

The study investigated the effectiveness of combining
antidepressants and Chinese herbal medicine in the
treatment of depression.

Procedure:
o
One group took Chinese herbs and western drugs
o
The other group took a larger dose of western
drugs
o
The third group took a larger dose of Chinese
herbs

Findings:
o
Flaws noticed that when Chinese medicinal herbs
were combined with smaller doses of
antidepressants, the treatment was effectively
better; course of treatment is shorter and
presented less side effects.

Conclusion
o
When an eclectic approach is culturally specific
and tailored towards an individual, it presents
great benefits in alleviating symptoms of
depression.

Religion as part of treatment

In Malaysia verses of the Koran are addressed in dealing
with different issues.
o
This approach, Chinese Toaist cognitive
psychotherapy, was more effective in the longterm reduction of anxiety disorders than treating
the patients with medications.
(Can I put the two studies in?)

Another limitation is that in order to properly and correctly administer
an eclectic treatment, it requires that the clinician have sufficient
knowledge and skill to do so.
o
Lebow (2003) stated that sometimes-eclectic approaches are too
complex for one clinician to manage; a second point he makes is
that there is always a danger that clinicians may call themselves
“eclectic” when they really have no clear direction for the
treatment.

NEED MORE EVIDENCE
Paragraph 3

There are both limitations and strengths that must be considered in an eclectic
approach. However it is clear that an integrative method can be more efficient
than utilizing only one treatment.

Especially in the cases of psychological disorders where it is impossible to find a
specific cause, rather its causation is an interrelated group of contributing
factors (biopsychosocio).

Evidence 1: A combination of drugs and CBT (eclectic approach) is more
effective than using only cognitive therapies.

Riggs et al (2007): effectiveness of CBT in combination with a
placebo or an SSRI.

Randomized double-blind with 126 adolescents (13-19
yrs) who suffered from depression.

20 were not able to be followed up or participated.

Participants were rated afterwards by a physician who
found that 67% of patients in the CBT + placebo group
and 76% of patients in the CBT + drug group were
classified as “very much or much improved.”

Conclude that the treatment with CBT and drugs was
more effective than with just CBT and a placebo.

Wilson (1996): In treating Bulimia Nervosa, researchers found
that CBT was superior to medication alone and that the
combination of CBT and medication was superior to medication
alone.

Evidence 2: The eclectic approach is more effective in treating
psychological disorders compared to using only a biomedical approach
to treatment.

Nemeroff et al. (2003): They found that CBT in combination with
drugs was the most effective in cases of chronic depression in
people suffering from traumatic childhood experiences. This
group was better helped with either therapy alone or a
combination of therapy and drugs, rather than with drugs alone.

Klerman et al. (1994): A combination of psychotherapy and
drugs appears to be moderately more successful than either
psychotherapy or drugs alone.
Conclusion:

There are always going to be limitations to all different therapies including the
eclectic approach

However it is clear that the strengths of an eclectic approach outweighs the
disadvantages.

The combination of all therapies that incorporates the strengths of different
treatment methods enables the researcher to tailor to the individual and eliminate
the individual weaknesses of other approaches.

Eclectic approaches are especially effective in the cases of complex disorders, which
have a set of interlinking risk factors.