Biological Approach - Therapy: Drug Therapy Flashcards
1
Q
what are the 3 assumptions
A
- Evolutionary influences (i.e. natural selection + EEA)
- Localisation of brain function (i.e. the 4 lobes + localisation of language)
- Neurotransmitters (i.e. synaptic transmission)
2
Q
which assumption links to being the basis of drug therapy
A
3) Neurotransmitters
–> we can cure mental illness by changing chemical balances of neurotransmitters
3
Q
what are the 3 drugs we need to know + what they treat
A
- Antipsychotics = schizophrenia
- Antidepressants = depression
- Anti-anxiety = anxiety/stress
4
Q
what are the 2 types of antipsychotic drugs
A
- conventional antipsychotics
- atypical antipsychotics
5
Q
what do conventional antipsychotic drugs combat + how
A
- they combat the positive symptoms of schizophrenia (e.g. delusions and hallucinations)
- they block the action of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain by binding to (but not stimulating) dopamine receptors)
–> can cause side effects
6
Q
How do atypical antipsychotic drugs work
A
- temporarily occupy dopamine receptors then dissociates (leading to less side-effects)
7
Q
give an example of an antipsychotic drug
A
- Clozaril
- it reduces primary symptoms of schizophrenia
- side effect = tardive dyskinesia (involuntary movement of mouth/tongue)
8
Q
how do antidepressants work
A
- SSRI’s (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors)
- block the transporter mechanism that reabsorbs serotonin into the presynaptic cell after it has fired
- leads to more serotonin being left in the synapse, prolonging activity and making the transmission of the next impulse easier
9
Q
give an example of an antidepressant
A
- e.g. of an SSRI = Prozac
- it reduces serotonin by prolonging its activity
10
Q
what are the 2 types of antianxiety drugs
A
- BZs (benzodiazepines)
- BBs (Beta-blockers)
11
Q
how do BZs work + examples of them
A
- slow down activity of the CNS
- they do this by enhancing the activity of GABA (a neurotransmitter) which is the body’s natural form of anxiety release
- e.g. Librium and Valium
12
Q
how do BBs work
A
- reduce the activity of adrenaline and noradrenaline
- achieved by binding to the receptors of the heart and other body parts stimulated by stress response
- leads to the heart beating slower and with less force
13
Q
how does the first assumption link to drug therapy
A
- medical models recommends a patient should be treated for their mental illness through direct manipulation of their physical bodily processes
–> which would be drug therapy
14
Q
how does the second assumption link to drug therapy
A
- drugs target specific regions of the brain which are involved in psychological disorders
- e.g. the limbic system
15
Q
How does the third assumption link to drug therapy
A
- Alter the action of neurotransmitters and treat mental disorder by increasing/decreasing the action of them
- this will influence emotions, thoughts and actions
