Applying the assumptions to drug therapy Flashcards
(6 cards)
State a biological assumption.
S - One assumption of the Biological approach is that changes in the brain’s neurotransmitters can affect our mood, feelings, perception and behaviour. Furthermore, mental illness can be caused by an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the Brain. This is where somebody may have too much or too little of a particular neurotransmitter.
Give the example from drug therapy
E - For example, depression is a mental illness that is believed to because by a lack of serotonin. Serotonin is linked to mood, appetite, and sleep. Therefore, in people with low levels of serotonin, they may experience feelings of extreme sadness or lack of appetite.
Explain how the assumption links to drug therapy.
E - Drug therapy links to this assumption, as antidepressants such as selective-serotonin-reuptake-inhibitors (SSRI’s) aim to treat depression by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin within the brain. This leaves more of an abundance of the neurotransmitter within the brain, increasing its effects. This will therefore reduce the symptoms of depression.
State another biological assumption.
S - Another assumption of the biological approach is that our behaviour is influenced by specific areas in the brain which have specific functions.
Give an example of drug therapy.
E – For example, the limbic system, also known as the emotional center, is an area within the brain that regulates emotions. Disturbances in this area can affect our mood, which can also lead to the development of mental illnesses such as anxiety. Drug therapy works by targeting specific centers in the brain, like the limbic system, aiming to reduce symptoms by regulating the area within the brain.
Explain how the assumption links to the therapy.
E – For example, antianxiety medication such as benzodiazepines (BZ’s), targets the limbic system within our brains, which in turn slows down the activity of the central nervous system. this reduces the symptoms of anxiety by relaxing muscles, slowing down the heart and reducing blood pressure.
