physiological treatments

Question 1

Phototherapy/Light Therapy

Answer 1

First-line treatment for depression
with a seasonal onset
 Efficacy due to influence of light on melatonin
 Effective as medication
 Negative effects: headache and jitteriness

stimulates pineal gland to produce melatonin, can cause mania in patients with bipolar disorder

Question 2

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is used for?

Answer 2

• 1st - depression
• Primary treatment in severe malnutrition, exhaustion, & dehydration d/t lengthy depression

2nd - Psychotic illnesses
• Delusional depression

• Failure of previous med trials-refractory depression
• Schizophrenia with catatonia```

• Safer than meds with certain medical conditions and can boosts SSRI’s

works by increasing neural blood flow neurogenesis, increases serotonin, stress hormone regulation,

Question 3

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is done by?

Answer 3

Noninvasive- anestesia, muscle relaxants used now

unilateral or bilateral 2-3x per week for 6 to 12 weeks

Question 4

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) risk factors are?

Answer 4

stresses the heart watch BP

stresses the brain - not for brain tumors or subdural hematomas

retrograde amnesia

confusion and disorientation after procedure

Question 5

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

Answer 5

Noninvasive/ out patient 5 days a week for 4-6 weeks

 MRI-strength magnetic pulses stimulate focal areas of the cerebral cortex
 contraindication
  metal.. MRI
  Hx seizure
  pacemakers

 Adverse reactions
◦Headache and lightheadedness
◦No neurological deficits or memory problems
◦Seizures rarely
◦Most are mild and include scalp tingling and discomfort at administration site, jaw tightening

Answer 6

k

Question 7

Vagal Nerve Stimulation(VNS)

Answer 7

Invasive procedure- surgical implanted in the chest wires wrap vagal nerves in the neck - gives pulsations for 30 sec every 5 minutes

Tx for depression- and epileptic seizures

 Decreases seizures and improves mood

 Electrical stimulation boosts the level of neurotransmitters

 Side effects
◦ Voice alteration (nearly 60% of patients) hoarseness
◦ Neck pain, cough, paresthesia, and dyspnea, which tend to
decrease with time

Question 8

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)

Answer 8

More invasive than VNS - bilateral electrodes in the chest, wires probe up the neck into the brain
Stimulates regions identified as underactive in depression

 Treatment for depression and Parkinson’s

Question 9

exercise

Answer 9

Tai Chi, yoga, walking, running, aerobics, cycling,
dancing, etc.

Biological, social, and psychological effects
Dampens HPA axis (thought to be overly active in
depression)

Alters levels of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine

Question 10

Herbal treatments

Answer 10

St. John’s Wort: Flower processed into tea or tablets
• Thought to increase serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine
• Useful in mild to moderate depression

Ginseng: stress and fatigue

Valerian Root or Chamomile:
Insomnia, depression, and stress/anxiety

SamE: depression

Question 11

Pet therapy

Answer 11

PTSD and autism

Question 12

arma therapy

Answer 12

ANS calming and pain reducing

lavender, chamomile, sage

Question 13

acupuncture

Answer 13

substance abuse and cravings