Biological Treatments

Question 1

Drugs

Answer 1

MAOIS - monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Tricyclics
SSRI - selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

Question 2

MAOI

Answer 2

Block action of enzyme which breaks down noradrenaline and serotonin, increasing availability of these in the nervous system

Question 3

Strength and weakness of MAOI

Answer 3

– restricted diet due to tyramine

++ Julien - new MAOI do not react with food

Question 4

Tricyclics

Answer 4

Work by blocking the transporter mechanism that reabsorbs both serotonin and noradrenaline into the pre synaptic cell after it has fired. More are left in the synapse prolonging their activity

Question 5

Strength and weakness of tricyclics

Answer 5

– side effects (constipation sexual and bladder problems)

++ 60/65% success rate

Question 6

SSRI

Answer 6

Instead of blocking reuptake of many neurotransmitters they block mainly the serotonin reuptake so that there is more of it available

Question 7

Strength and weakness of SSRI

Answer 7

– 250,000 suicide attempts

++ Barbui - only the case of adolescents

Question 8

ECT

Answer 8

• patient lies on bed
• atropine as pre anaesthetic them followed by regular anaesthetic and muscle relaxants
• electrodes placed on temples and 70-150 volt shocks are administered for 0.4-1.0 seconds
• seizures appear to restore brains ability to regulate mood
• repeated 2-3 times a week. Requires 3-15 treatments needed

Question 9

Strength and weakness of ECT

Answer 9

– 30% of health report department reported permanent fear and anxiety
++ PAGIN - more effective than drugs

Question 10

Weaknesses of biological treatments

Answer 10

Ethical issues - placebo trials
Treats symptoms not cause
- side effects
Drug escalation / addiction

Question 11

Conclusion

Answer 11

Biological therapies are successful but are perhaps most successful when combined with psychological therapies as this would help to ensure that both symptoms and causes are dealt with therefore helping to ensure long term effectiveness