drug therapy

• how assumptions apply

  • if neurotransmitters are out of balance this may have an impact pm 'normal' functioning eg. depression due to low serotonin = altering level can help
  • localisation of brain functions can help us as limbic system regulates our emotions so disturbances can be located and dealt with
  • medical model assumes all behaviors have a biological basis = mental illness should be treated the same as physical = drug therapy
• components of drug therapy

  • treating schizophrenia
  • treating addiction to heroin
  • treating addiction to alcohol
• treating schizophrenia

  • caused by high levels of dopamine
  • antagonist drug = blocks receptor

  1. chlorpromazine = binds to D2 receptor = blocks = lowers dopamine levels = relieve symptoms
  2. clozapine = binds to D2 receptor = blocks = lowers dopamine levels = relieve symptoms but then disconnects so not too low a level = less side effects eg. loss of motivation
• treating addiction to heroin

  • methadone = agonistic = binds and mimics = attached to opioid receptor and mimics effects of heroin = gets high in a safer way = slowly decrease amount till sober
• treating addiction to alcohol = antagonist = blocks opioid receptor = naltrexone means no pleasure
• effective = supporting evidence = schizophrenia = Cole found that 75% given antipsychotic were much improved vs 25% in placebo condition while 48% got worse = beneficial to some
• effective = supporting evidence = schizophrenia = lobos =clozapine = favourable as reduces positive symptoms of schizophrenia but side effect risks = drop out = effective but needs to be developed further
• effective = supporting evidence = methadone = national institute for Carr and excellence (NICE) = 31 reviews = increased retention on treatment programmes and reduces illicit opioid use
• unethical = unpleasant side effects = head aches and nausea = more serious issues eg. trade dyskinesia = uncontrollable face movements = to 30% of antipsychotic users and 75% irreversible = long term health issues
• unethical = issues of valid consent = schizophrenic episodes may be detained and administered antipsychotics = may lack understanding = vulnerable individuals
• unethical = risk to harm = methadone can cause respiratory and stomach issues and naltrexone can impact liver function = risk of overdose = 2018 uk 416 deaths on methadone overdose = but is it less risk than continuing addiction