Biological Therapies

Description

Psychology (Abnormality) Flashcards on Biological Therapies, created by smita089 on 14/04/2013.
smita089
Flashcards by smita089, updated more than 1 year ago
smita089
Created by smita089 over 11 years ago
71
0

Resource summary

Question Answer
Explain the use of antipsychotics as a drug treatment. Used to combat symptoms of psychotic illnesses such as Schizophrenia. Conventional antipsychotics block transmission of dopamine, and so alleviate many symptoms of the disorder.
Explain the use of antidepressants as a drug treatment for abnormality. SSRIs block the transporter mechanism which reabsorbs serotonin into the nerve cell prolonging its activity and relieving the symptoms of depression.
Explain the use of anti-anxiety as a drug treatment. Benzodiazepines reduce anxiety by slowing down the central nervous system. Beta-blockers reduce anxiety by reducing the activity of adrenaline and noradrenaline, part of the body's response to stress.
What are the strengths of using drugs to treat abnormality? Ease of use - require little effort from patient, more motivated to continue treatment than time consuming psychological treatments. Effectiveness - chemotherapies work when compared to placebo. However, drug alone is less effective than when combined with psychological therapies.
What are the limitations of using drugs to treat abnormality? Symptoms not Cause - when patient stops taking drugs, effectiveness ceases and symptoms return. Side Effects - Patients stop taking medication as they cannot cope with side effects. SSRIs cause nausea or even suicidal thoughts.
Explain the use of ECT to treat abnormality. Generally used for severely depressed patients for whom psychotherapy and drugs don't work. Small current lasting about half a second is passed through the brain. Produces a seizure, which affects the whole brain. Affects action of neurotransmitters, recovery from depression may be due to improved communication between different parts of the brain.
What are the strengths of using ECT to treat abnormality? Saves lives - can be effective treatment for severe depression which may otherwise lead to suicide. Effectiveness - Comer- 60-70% of ECT patients improve after treatment, critics claim 84% relapse within 6 months.
What are the limitations of using ECT to treat abnormality? Side Effects - include impaired memory, cardiovascular problems and headaches. DOH found 30% had permanent fear or anxiety after. Sham ECT - Some sham patients recover, suggesting that attention plays a part in recovery.
Show full summary Hide full summary

Similar

definitions of abnormality
Daisy U
History of Psychology
mia.rigby
Biological Psychology - Stress
Gurdev Manchanda
Bowlby's Theory of Attachment
Jessica Phillips
Psychology subject map
Jake Pickup
Psychology A1
Ellie Hughes
Memory Key words
Sammy :P
Psychology | Unit 4 | Addiction - Explanations
showmestarlight
The Biological Approach to Psychology
Gabby Wood
Chapter 5: Short-term and Working Memory
krupa8711
Cognitive Psychology - Capacity and encoding
T W