6.2.3 Flashcards
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Tricyclics (Biological Treatment)
Tricyclics block presynaptic serotonin and noradrenaline transporter molecules, increasing levels of both neurotransmitters in the synapse. Side effects include dry mouth, dizziness, drowsiness, and blurred vision.
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
MAOIs stop serotonin, noradrenaline, and dopamine from being broken down by an enzyme, increasing the availability of all three neurotransmitters. However, there is an increased risk of stroke due to interactions with some foods.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
SSRIs increase serotonin by blocking presynaptic transporter molecules, preventing serotonin reuptake. Side effects include agitation, shakiness, anxiety, nausea, and reduced appetite.
Beck’s Cognitive Restructuring
Beck’s cognitive restructuring aims to treat depression by identifying, challenging, and changing irrational beliefs about the self, world, and future. Therapists use Socratic questioning, psychoeducation, and homework.
Ellis’s Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT)
REBT focuses on challenging self-defeating thoughts and reducing negative emotions and behaviours. The therapy emphasizes interpretations of events over the events themselves, aiming for clients to accept themselves, others, and their life.
Meta-Analysis of Drug Treatments
Cipriani et al. (2018) found that all 21 drugs investigated in a meta-analysis of 522 double-blind trials were more effective than placebos.
Side Effects of Biological Treatments
Side effects of biological treatments can be debilitating, and some of the most effective drugs have the worst compliance rates due to these side effects.
Practical Aspects of Biological Treatments
Biological treatments are inexpensive and low-commitment compared to cognitive therapy, making them accessible to many people. However, their effects may not significantly improve everyday life.
Limited Effects of Biological Treatments
While drugs may show statistically significant differences compared to placebos, the actual change in everyday life might be minimal.
Remission Rate in Combination Therapy
Fava et al. (1998) found that 75% of people who received both drug treatment and cognitive therapy were symptom-free after two years, compared to only 25% using drugs alone.
Non-Compliance in Cognitive Therapy
Some individuals are not sufficiently organized or motivated to carry out weekly homework exercises in cognitive therapy, leading to potential non-compliance.
Benefits of Cognitive Therapy over Drugs
Cognitive therapy has no side effects, which may lead to higher compliance rates than drug treatments.
Accessibility of Cognitive Therapy
Cognitive therapy requires well-trained therapists, and its location and financial cost can limit accessibility for many people.
Individual vs. Situational Explanations
Both biological and psychological treatments focus on changing individual factors (biochemistry or beliefs), but this overlooks the role of situational factors such as poverty and discrimination that may affect wellbeing.
Determinism vs. Free Will in Treatments
Biological and psychological treatments often have deterministic views, suggesting people are at the mercy of their biochemistry or beliefs. However, free will allows individuals to control negative thoughts and behaviours through therapy.
Biological Treatment Evidence
Biological treatments have been shown to be more effective than placebos in trials, but the long-term benefits may be unclear.
Side Effects of SSRIs
SSRIs can cause side effects such as agitation, shakiness, anxiety, nausea, and reduced appetite.
Cognitive Therapy Techniques
Cognitive therapy uses techniques like Socratic questioning, psychoeducation, and homework to challenge irrational beliefs and develop more objective thinking.
Effectiveness of REBT
REBT helps individuals challenge self-defeating thoughts and reduce negative emotions and behaviours, ultimately encouraging acceptance of oneself and others.
Issues with Drug Treatment Compliance
Drug treatments can have serious side effects that hinder compliance, making it difficult for some patients to continue treatment.
