Biological Therapies for depression

Question 0

How does it work

Answer 0

It is unclear hoe it works but it is clear that the seizures relive symptoms of depression. It appears to restore the brains ability to regulate mood. It was found by epilepsy patients. Increases fallen brain chemicals which cause depression.

Question 1

What is ECT

Answer 1

The patient is given and muscle relaxant/ paralysing agent to prevent any damage to the body and a general anaesthetic is also administered. A small amount of electric current is passed through the brain lasting about half a second. This causes a seizure affecting the entire brain. It’s given three times and week and requires three and 15 treatments.

Question 2

Side effects of ECT

Answer 2

Confusion when waking up
Memory loss before mad during ECT no long term effects
Ability to learn no info is impaired for a few weeks but returns
Headaches and muscle aches after treatment but responsive to treatment

Question 3

Ao2

Answer 3

Quicker more effective than drugs
Works for severe patients with suicide 
Safer as in medical environment 
No long term effect unlike drugs. 
Can't have it if cannot have an anaesthetic

Question 4

Drug therapy. Tricyclics

Answer 4

They work by preventing reabsorption of noradrenalin and serotonin back into the nerve cell. This prolongs the mood lifting effect created by any neurotransmitter released and in this way relieves the depressive symptoms

Question 5

What is the preferred drug

Answer 5

Elavil. It is also given to bulimic to prevent chronic pain

Should be taken regularly for weeks at a time to reach it full effectiveness.

Question 6

Side effects.

Answer 6

Drowsiness in early stages of treatment. Relief after 30 days - shouldn’t drive or operate dangerous machinery.
Dry mouth. Suck on sweet or chew gum
Makes skin sensitive to sunlight. - cover up. Use sun creams.
Dizzy or lightheadedness. May cause faints and falls

Question 7

Why should you not stop,taking it suddenly

Answer 7

Doctors will want to reduce quantities over a period of time. This is because stopping the treatment abruptly as this will prevent relapse likelihood and will reduce any possibility of withdrawal symptoms

Question 8

Ao2

Answer 8

Dosent require much effort on the side of the individual. Good and bad
Convenient
Known side effects
Treating symptoms therefore they are always there
Publication bias - turner doctors make inappropriate treatment decisions that may not be best for their patients.