Description
Presenter: J. Kim Penberthy, PhD, ABPP
Overview.
The history of treatment for persistent depressive disorder, or what used to be known as depressive personality disorder, then dysthymia, or chronic major depression, or double depression, is an example of the evolving and increasingly innovative assessment and therapeutic strategies used in clinical and health psychology. The diagnostic criteria of this group of depressive symptoms has evolved over time and appears to have come full circle in many ways. Assessment has arguably evolved at a slower rate, with many of us still using self-report data to diagnose, yet innovative and exciting assessment strategies are developing in our research labs and in the field. Psychotherapy approaches for this “treatment resistant” disorder have changed over the decades. From the early psychoanalytic approaches to basic behavioral activation, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), most therapies have had only limited success in reducing depressive symptoms long term. Contextual therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Analysis System of Psychotherapy (CBASP), Mindfulness-Based CBT, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) have been developed and researched with more success, and yet, still many individuals with persisting depressive symptoms find little to no relief. Thus, the evolution of treatment approaches continues, with the recent arrival of psychedelic assisted psychotherapy for these persistent depressive disorders and some intriguing and encouraging findings in the use of ketamine and other substances. Additionally, ongoing work in the use of mindfulness and contemplative based psychotherapies has demonstrated an interest from the field and usefulness in preventing relapse. The future of the treatment of PDD, much like the future of clinical and health psychology, continues to look promising with the expanding role of innovative technology including tailoring treatment approaches based on genetics, psychophysiological, and behavioral information, as well as the use of machine learning to help match psychologists with patients in order to promote effective therapeutic relationships and equitable treatment access.
Objectives.
- Describe the changes in the diagnosis of what is now referred to as PDD.
- Describe how ideas of assessment and diagnosis are evolving in clinical and health psychology.
- Describe the evolving psychotherapy approaches to PDD over the years.
- List examples of the innovations happening in clinical and health psychology, specifically related to assessment and treatment of PDD.
About the Presenter.
Dr. J. Kim Penberthy is a board-certified clinical psychologist and Professor of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences at the University of Virginia School of Medicine. She specializes in the integration of contemplative practices—such as mindfulness, self-compassion, and meaning-centered interventions—into psychotherapy and clinical care. Her work focuses on serious illness, end-of-life concerns, and spiritual and existential aspects of psychological wellbeing.
Dr. Penberthy has published extensively on mindfulness-based interventions, spiritual and religious issues in clinical practice, and the interface between science and contemplative wisdom. She is a founding member of the UVA Contemplative Sciences Center and has led national workshops and trainings on integrating mindfulness and meaning-making into medical and psychological care. Her clinical experience includes working with individuals facing terminal illness, prolonged grief, and death anxiety.
CE Information
1 hour of CE
Cost
FREE for MEMBERS
$40.00 for Non-Members
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