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Biological Therapies
Description and Issues relating to biological therapies
21
Psychology
12th Grade
06/05/2007

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Term
Description of Neuroleptics
Definition
They are competitive inhibitors of dopamine, so reduce the effects of dopamine to reduce symptoms. eg. chlorpromazine
Term
Description of Anti-anxiety drugs
Definition
Benzodiazapines- Suppress brain activity to reduce arousal and anxiety.
Beta-blockers- Reduce physiological symptoms of arousal by reducing effects of epinephrine.
Term
Descriptions of Antidepressants
Definition
SSRI's- Block the reuptake of Seratonin making it more available in the synapses. eg. Seroxat
Tricyclics- block reuptake of seratonin, epinephrine and noradrenaline. eg. Imipramine
Term
Effectiveness of Neuroleptics
Definition
After treatment, relapse rates in schizophrenics on a placebo was 55%, on chlorpromazine was 25%.
Term
Effectiveness of Anti-anxiety drugs
Definition
Benzodiazapines are most effective anti-anxiety drugs- 35% benefit greatly, 40% achieve moderate relief.
Beta-blockers are only effective in the short term.
Term
Effectiveness of Antidepressants
Definition
SSRI's ore more effective in severe depression, but could be no more effective than psychotherapy at raising seratonin levels.
Term
Appropriateness of Drugs
Definition
Usually work. Require little effort. Not always appropriate for pregnant women, the elderly or those on other medication. Affects could be due to the placebo effect. Side effects can result in people not taking medication. Reduces patient responsibility so no self efficacy can be gained from treatment.
Term
Side effects of Neuroleptics
Definition
Tardive dyskinesia, drowsiness, weight gain or loss, dry throat and mouth which can lead to tooth decay.
Term
Side effects of Anti-anxiety drugs
Definition
High dependancy rate- addiction in 40% of cases after 6 months. Drowsiness, aggressiveness, nightmares, seizures
Term
Side effects of Anti-depressants
Definition
Weight gain, constipation, drowsiness, urinary retention, aggressiveness, suicide risk (motivation levels increased before mood improves)
Term
Ethical Issues relating to Drugs
Definition
Power in treatment is with the doctor. Informed consent not 100% possible as it is not entirely sure how the drugs work.
Term
Description of Electroconvulsive therapy
Definition
A medical check is given first to check for things like heart problems.
If patient is anxious they're given Valium.
Muscle relaxants are given.
Short acting anaesthetic given.
70-130 volt shock given lasting up to 1 min.
6-9 treatments given over several weeks
Term
Effectiveness of Electroconvulsive therapy
Definition
Comer found 60-70% effective, however the Mental Health Foundation found 30% effective
Lowinger and Dobie- Placebo is 80% effective
27% find it unhelpful or damaging
Low does bilateral therapy is most effective.
Differences in findings could be caused by differences in measuring effectiveness.
Not permanent- lasts about a year.
Term
Appropriateness of ECT
Definition
Works best for those who want it- so could be down to placebo effect.
Appropriate when patient doesn't respond to drugs or psychotherapy or is a high suicide risk patient.
Term
Side effects of ECT
Definition
Memory loss (but may be part of depression)
Headaches, cardiovascular changes, low mortality risk, personality changes.
Term
Ethical Issues relating to ECT
Definition
Informed Consent- Mind suggests that 70% aren't given an explanation and 1/3 have ECT under compulsion.
It is difficult to inform the patient when they don't understand it completely.
Protection from harm- side effects may be greater than benefits.
Patient is in a position of dependance.
Term
Desciption of Psychosurgery
Definition
Transorbital Labotomy- probe inserted through eye with hammer- traditional way.
Capsulotomy- electrode inserted into interior capsule and heated to 68 degrees to burn part of the brain. Stereotactic apparatus used to keep head still.
Radioactive rods- rods inserted into outer brain- beta rays are emitted and destroys part of brain.
Before surgery- mental health commission has a tribunal to make sure the patient knows enough about the treatment to be "informed".
Term
Effectiveness of Psychosurgery
Definition
1/3 cured
1/3 show some improvement
1/3 no change
Term
Appropriateness of Psychosurgery
Definition
Only appropriate as a last resort, or if there is a high suicide risk.
20 cases a year.
Term
Side Effects of Psychosurgery
Definition
Loss of enthusiasm for life
Altered personality
Relapse can occur
Loss of intelligence
If it doesn't work it can cause worse depression
Term
Ethical Issues relating to Psychosurgery
Definition
Informed consent- tribunal seems to have very low standards and if they are refused it could cause worse depression. It is difficult to make someone understand if they have lost cognitive function.
Protection from harm- real improvement is unpredictable, risk of severe and permanent impairment is high.
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