Mindfulness and drug therapy

• How is the medical model applied in drug therapy

  Medical model - assumes that all behaviours have biological basis. This is because he biological approach assumes that behaviour, and mental illnesses are caused by psychological factors. In relation to treatment the assumptions of the biological approach apply the view that mental illnesses should be treat in the same way as physical ones, that their symptoms can be dealt with through psychological treatments. This means that patients who suffer from psychological disorders such as schizophrenia can be treated through direct manipulation of their biological bodily process, .e. Through altering biochemistry levels with drug therapy.
• How is localisation of brain function applied in drug therapy

  Refers to the structure and function of different brain areas and the impact that there have on our mood and behaviour. E.g. an area in the brain known as the lambic system is responsible for regulating our emotions - meaning that any disturbances or abnormality in the function of this brain area may affect mood etc. this is applicable to the function of drug therapy because certain drugs target neurones in certain areas of the brain - improving symptoms that are localised in the functions of those areas. E.g. an area in the brain called the Mesolimbic pathway contains a number of D2 dopamine receptors that are thought to play a role in positive symptoms of schizophrenia - antipsychotic drugs work by targeting the action of these neurones in this localised brain area in order to reduce symptoms of schizophrenia.
• How is neurotransmitters applied to drug therapy

  Changes in the brains neurotransmitter systems will affect our mood, emotions and behaviour. This suggests that if there is an alteration or imbalance in the levels of certain brain chemicals then this may have an impact on 'normal' function. E.g. it is assumed that positive symptoms of schizophrenia may be caused by high levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine. In relation to therapy this means that by altering the function or levels of certain chemicals with the use of psychotherapeutic drugs we can treat the symptoms of certain psychological disorders. In general, drug therapy works by blocking the action of, or increasing the action of different neurotransmitters (e.g. DA) in the brain.
• An ethical strength of MF is that it is widely accessible. - ethical issue


  Various forms of MF are accessible for all. For example, it can be practiced informally. There are numerous apps, websites and courses running where people can be taught the basics of the process and can e given opportunities to practice techniques. This is an ethical strength because it means that MF is an inclusive therapy that all people can benefit from regardless of accessibility issues such as affordability (unlike having to pay privately for other forms of therapy) or where a person lives (some NHS treatments are unavailable in all areas if the country)
• Conclusions for mindfulness ethical issues


  Overall MF is a therapy that is not dependant on the ability to afford t privately or ability to have access to it, it is widely accessible for everyone. Also, this mean we are not withholding treatment for anyone and everyone can benefit from it equally in terms of their mental health.
• Practicing MF may lead to people becoming more moral in other aspects of their life - ethical issues


  Ruedy and Schweitzer found that people who were proficient in MF were less likely to cheat on a task and more likely to uphold ethical standards in a decision-making process. This suggests that improving outer state of mind through MF can bring benefits to our approach to life. (Extension: however, it is difficult to establish cause and effect. It could be that the person with a higher sense of morality the start with are likely yo commit themselves to developing their level of mindfulness.
• An ethical concern s that clients may not be fully informed about the roots of meditation. - ethical issues

  A key feature of MF includes the practice of meditation which is rooted in the Buddhist religion and therefore people should be aware that they are engaging in a form of religious practice. Practicing meditation may conflict with an individuals own religious or moral beliefs and so they should be fully informed of the links to Buddhism before engaging in MF.
• MF does not involve dragging up the past and should to provoke anxiety-causing thoughts or memories - ethical issues


  Unlike psychodynamic therapies, MF does not involve attributing current issues to past events. Unlike CBT, it does not aim to challenge and change thought processes, but rather to encourage an awareness and acceptance of thoughts. Therefore MF is a much more gentle approach to therapy, avoiding issues of anxiety and feelings of guilt associated with other therapies.
• Conclusions for effectiveness of mindfulness

  MF can be effective in treating both physical conditions and psychological disorders such as anxiety and depression. Also, MF is a gentle approach but can often lack scientific evidence to show its effectiveness.
• However, MF may not be effective and suitable for everyone - effectiveness + ethical issues


  Not everyone has the characteristics needed to do meditation as part of this therapy. It is argued that it may be to experience the success you already need to be a calm and patient person. This shows that MF may only provide mental benefits to people with particular personality types and therefore careful consideration is needed into who MF is suitable for.
• MF may be the most effective when used in conjunction with CBT rather than a s a therapy on its own. - effectiveness


  MBCT (mindfulness-based CBT) attempts to alter the process of thinking and the persons relationship with their thoughts, rather than just challenging the content of the thoughts. Teasdale et al (2000) found that an 8 week course MBCT significantly reduced depression for people who had 3 or more experiences of depression (no difference found in patients who had 2 or less depressive episodes) this was compared to patients who had 'treatment as usual'. This is problematic because it suggests that MF alone may not be as effective as when it is combined with other more traditional forms of therapy. Although the Teasdale research suggests that MBCT is effective it is only of benefit to certain people (i.e those with recurrent depression)
• There is evidence that MBSR can have positive effects on our immune system as well as our mood - effectiveness


  Davidson et al found that 25 healthy employees who completed an 8-week MBSR programme had increased activity in areas of the brain associated with positive emotion compares to a control group of 16 people. The MBSR group also produced more antibodies in response to a flu jab compared to the control group. This shows that there are quantifiable and measurable benefits to both physical and mental health from taking part in mindfulness based courses. (Extension: however evidence suggests that mindfulness is only effective when done in group settings. The evidence supporting the effectiveness of doing MF alone is weak).
• There is scientific evidence to support the benefits of mindfulness - effectiveness


  Holzel et al found that meditating for 30 minutes each day can improve the density of grey matter (neurones in the brain) in areas associated with memory, stress and empathy. This suggests that MF can bring about positive changes in the physiology of the brain and can help with emotional states such as stress as well as improve memory.
• Focus on the good life applied in mindfulness


  Taking control of our feelings is is central to living a good life - part of this includes having life regulation qualities. Therefore, by practicing mindfulness, we gain more control over our thoughts which is vital for increasing life satisfaction and contentment,therefore helping people move towards living a meaningful life.
• Acknowledgement of free will applied in mindfulness

  Mindfulness is very much based on an individuals free will. It is a therapy that one chooses to engage in and helps the individual become consciously aware of their present thoughts and feelings. By encouraging people to gain control of their thoughts and emotions they are able to exercise control (free will) over the amount of time spent on negative thinking.
• Authenticity of goodness and excellence applied in mindfulness

  positive human traits are as authentic as negative ones, and that individuals strive to achieve greater life fufilment by developing their natural strengths and virtues. In line with this mindfullness aims to enhance a persons positive attitude (e.g. being optimistic and grateful)
• How is the positive approach applied in the therapy mindfulness

  Mindfullness focuses on helping people have positive mental health, it aims to help people develop characteristics such as natural stengths and psychological wellbeing. AUTHENTICITY OF GOODNESS AND EXCELLENCE - positive human traits are as authentic as negative ones, and that individuals strive to achieve greater life fufilment by developing their natural strengths and virtues. In line with this mindfullness aims to enhance a persons positive attitude (e.g. being optimistic and