AQA AS PSYA2 Psychology- Biological therapies: Drug therapy
- Created by: Ruth ****
- Created on: 25-05-13 13:26
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- Biological Therapies- Drug Treatment
- Based on the assumption that a chemical imbalance is the root of the problem.
- Anti-anxiety drugs
- Benzodiazepines: Slow down the CNS and function of the GABA (calming neurotransmitter) enhanced. They open chloride ion channels, making it harder for neurons to be stimulated.
- Beta Blockers: Reduce adrenaline and nor-adrenaline which initiates FOFR. They will lock onto cells associated with it, e.g. the heart.
- Anti-depressant drugs
- Depression is associated with a lack of serotonin. They therefore work by reducing the rate of reabsorption of neurotransmitters, or block the enzyme which breaks down the neurotransmitter.
- Anti-psychotic drugs
- These block the action of the dopamine by binding to dopamine receptors. A typical anti-psychotic drug will temporarily occupy dopamine, they therefore have fairly low side effects.
- Strengths of Drug Therapies
- They do work, as the WHO showed relapse rates were highest with a placebo, then anti-psychotic drug, then drugs with family intervention.
- Limitations of drug therapies
- The placebo effect may be a significant factor in their successfulness. Kirsch et al found a placebo effect had similar effects to anti-depressant. However, they were 25% less successful.
- Only temporarily stop the symptoms, once the drugs stop the mental disorder may return.
- Side effects can also be a problem, e.g. sexual dysfunction, anxiety.
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