Interventions Flashcards
How do the definitions of psychological distress impact intervention choices?
Definitions influence which interventions are deemed appropriate; for instance, if distress is viewed as a neurochemical imbalance, pharmacological treatments may be prioritized, whereas a cognitive perspective may favour psychotherapies.
What assumptions underlie pharmacological and psychological interventions?
Pharmacological interventions often assume that symptoms arise from neurochemical imbalances, while psychological interventions assume that cognitive and behavioural factors contribute to distress.
Why is it important to critically evaluate the evidence for psychiatric medications?
To ensure that treatments are effective, safe, and appropriate for patients, and to avoid reliance on medications that may have minimal benefits or significant side effects.
What are the potential advantages and disadvantages of using antidepressants?
Advantages include symptom relief and improved quality of life; disadvantages may include side effects, withdrawal symptoms, and the risk of dependency.
What are the main categories of psychiatric medications, and what do they target?
Categories include antidepressants (target depression), antipsychotics (target psychosis), anxiolytics (target anxiety), and mood stabilizers (target bipolar disorder).
How do SSRIs function, and what are common examples?
SSRIs work by blocking the reuptake of serotonin, increasing its availability in the brain. Common examples include fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Lustral).
What are the typical side effects of tricyclic antidepressants?
Common side effects include sedation, dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, and weight gain.
How has the prescription trend for antidepressants changed in the UK over the years?
There has been a steady increase in antidepressant prescriptions, with millions of adults receiving them annually, reflecting a growing recognition and treatment of mental health issues.
What is the significance of the placebo effect in the efficacy of antidepressants?
The placebo effect suggests that a substantial portion of the improvement in symptoms may not be due to the medication itself but rather to patients’ expectations and beliefs about treatment.
How do withdrawal effects from antidepressants manifest, and why is tapering important?
Withdrawal effects can include anxiety, irritability, flu-like symptoms, and mood swings; tapering is important to minimize these effects and allow the body to adjust gradually.
What are the criticisms related to the chemical imbalance theory of depression?
Critics argue that there is little scientific support for the theory, and it oversimplifies the complex nature of depression by attributing it solely to neurotransmitter levels.
How can the efficacy of antidepressants be assessed in research studies?
Efficacy can be assessed through randomized controlled trials (RCTs), comparing drug effects to placebos and measuring symptom improvement on standardized scales.
What does the evidence suggest about the long-term use of antidepressants?
Long-term use can lead to dependency, potential withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation, and unclear long-term efficacy and safety profiles.
How does the funding of psychiatric drug research impact study outcomes?
Studies funded by pharmaceutical companies may show bias toward positive results, influencing the perceived effectiveness and safety of the drugs.
Define psychotherapy and its traditional modalities.
Psychotherapy is a therapeutic approach that involves talking to a trained professional to address psychological issues. Traditional modalities include cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, and humanistic therapy.
