Drug Therapy

• What does the biological approach assume about psychological disorders?

  They have a physiological cause
• What is the medical model based on?

  Mental illnesses are like physical illnesses
• According to the medical model, how should mental illnesses be treated?

  Through direct manipulation of bodily processes
• What is a key assumption of the biological approach regarding neurotransmitters?

  Changes in neurotransmitters affect mood
• How do psychotherapeutic drugs alter the action of neurotransmitters?

  By increasing or blocking their action
• How does drug therapy generally influence emotions, thoughts and actions?

  By increasing or blocking neurotransmitters
• What does the biological approach assume about localization of brain function?

  Drugs target specific regions of the brain
• Which brain system regulates emotions and may be involved in mood disorders?

  The limbic system
• What are the three main types of psychoactive drugs?

  • Antipsychotics
  • Antidepressants
  • Antianxiety drugs
• What type of mental disorders do antipsychotic drugs treat?

  Psychotic mental disorders
• What is a characteristic of a patient with a psychotic mental disorder?

  Loss of touch with reality
• What symptoms of schizophrenia do conventional antipsychotics primarily combat?

  Positive symptoms
• How do conventional antipsychotics work in the brain?

  They block dopamine action
• How do atypical antipsychotic drugs like Clozaril act on dopamine receptors?

  Temporarily occupying dopamine receptors
• Why do atypical antipsychotics have fewer side effects than conventional ones?

  Rapid dissociation from dopamine receptors
• What is a potential side effect associated with conventional antipsychotics?

  Tardive dyskinesia
• What neurotransmitter imbalance is thought to contribute to depression?

  Insufficient serotonin
• How do antidepressants work in the brain?

  Increase neurotransmitter availability
• By what two mechanisms do antidepressants work to increase neurotransmitter availability?

  Reduce reabsorption or block breakdown
• How do SSRIs like Prozac work?

  Block serotonin reuptake
• What is the effect of SSRIs on serotonin in the synapse?

  Prolonged activity of serotonin
• What is the most common type of drug used to treat anxiety and stress?

  Benzodiazepines (BZs)
• What are some trade names under which benzodiazepines are sold?

  Librium and Valium
• How do benzodiazepines affect the central nervous system?

  Slow down its activity
• How do benzodiazepines enhance the activity of GABA?

  By enhancing GABA's activity
• What other type of drug is used to reduce anxiety?

  Beta-blockers (BBs)
• What do beta-blockers reduce the activity of?

  Adrenaline and noradrenaline
• How do beta-blockers affect the heart?

  Slower and less forceful heartbeat
• How do beta-blockers affect blood vessels?

  They do not contract so easily
• What is the overall effect of beta-blockers on blood pressure and stress?

  Fall in blood pressure, less stress
• What type of study is typically used to compare drug effectiveness?

  Randomised control trial
• What is a placebo in drug studies?

  Substance with no pharmacological value
• What did Soomro et al. (2008) find about SSRIs and OCD?

  SSRIs more effective than placebos
• What was the duration of the effectiveness of SSRIs in reducing OCD symptoms in the Soomro et al. (2008) study?

  Up to three months
• What did Kahn et al. (1986) find about BZs and placebos?

  BZs significantly superior to placebos
• What is a limitation of many drug treatment studies?

  Little long-term data exists
• What is a common issue associated with drug treatments for psychological disorders?

  Serious side effects
• What are some common side effects of SSRIs?

  Nausea, headache, insomnia
• When are tricyclic antidepressants more likely to be used?

  When SSRIs were not effective
• What is a common criticism of drug therapy?

  Does not address underlying causes