This chapter frames problems that reflect the split between biological psychiatry and psychotherapy, and promotes a biopsychosocial model of etiology for most mental disorders. Findings with regard to genetics, neurotransmitters, and imaging methods are reviewed, and their limitations are highlighted. A similar critical review is applied to purely psychosocial interpretations of etiology with a focus on post-traumatic theories of mental disorders. The chapter emphasizes that constructs in science which have some applicability are often expanded into what can be called “concept creep.”

This chapter examines the history of this domain, with an emphasis on systematic research into the outcome of psychological treatments. Empirical data show that most methods are equivalent in terms of both efficacy and effectiveness, and that there is little need for the use of brand names. However, there is a proliferation of new therapies, each of which claims to be unique and often has a memorable acronym. A number of therapies that do not deserve to have brand recognition, such as eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), are discussed. Finally, particular attention is given to the more malignant psychotherapy fad of recovered memories.