AN- One biological treatment Flashcards
How does SRRIs work? And why are they of interest to AN?
SSRIs are used to treat depression the reuptake of serotonin at the synapse, increasing its availability in neurotransmission. SSRIs are of interest in treating AN bevause low serotonin may play a role in the disorder, either directly or through co morbid disorders such as depression.
Are the levels high or low in serotonin for someone with AN?
lowwwww this could be the result of staribjnf the body which disrupts serotnin levels
What do Kay Fudge and Paulus hypothesis about serotonin and AN?
As serotonin levels decrease, the brain responds by increasing the number of serotonin receptions to more effectively utilise the remaining serotnin. Hence to feel better, the person continues to starve themselves
What happens when an anorexic individual eats and the serotonin levels quickly spike ?
Causes extreme anxiety, this is known as serotnin syndrome
How is AN and dopamine linked?
It is hypothesised that AN is associated with an over production of dopamine
What type of behaviour is awarded by elevated dopamine in an anorexic individual ?
Elevated dopamine is then thought to assist rewarding behaviours such as self starvation and excessive exercise to become habits
What is an example of a SSRI drug and how does it work?
Fluoxetine
Works by increasing serotonin levels. It is assumed that this will improve the depression and anxiety behavioural symptoms associated with AN
What are 2 types of drug treatments for AN?
SSRIs
Antipsychotics
What happened when Chlorpromazine (FGA) was used to treat AN?
Led to increased weight gain but also for some caused severe seizures. It did not treat any of the co-morbid symptoms
What happened when Olanzapine (SGA) was used to treat AN?
Not only gaines weight but also reported less difficulty with eating as well as lower levels on anxiety
Is a patient more or less likely to drop out of therapy when on a drug course for AN?
Less and if co morbid conditions can be managed or may make other therapies more successful
What is the relapse rate for someone on drug treament for AN?
Drugs only work for as long as you take them. If you stop, the symptoms return, this is further increased by the side effects of weight gain which is very distressing to the patient and in turn lowers motivation in continuing treatment
How is drug treatment ethically low for AN individuals?
Drugs are an invasive treatment for an already ill health patient, the side effects could increase/ damage the physical health of the person further.
Did drugs deal with the root cause of anorexia?
Drugs control the secondary symptoms of AN, they don’t treat the main concern of weight. However if the cause is due to depletion of serotonin and increased dopamine then it is tackling the biological cause
Can drug treatment for AN work on its own?
AN needs a wealth of other therapies like token economies and family therapy to be successful
