Physical cause

Brain Differences –Structure (e.g. size)

Function (e.g. biochemical balance)

Genetics – Genetic component - inheritedPassed through family lines

Uses twin studies to investigate

If the biological approach believes that all abnormalities have a biological component – what treatments do you think the approach would use

to treat disorders?(Or, what would the treatments focus on ?)

Treating the BODY!!!

• Drug treatments:– Anti-depressants (selective serotonin

reuptake inhibitors)

– Anti-anxiety drugs (benzodiazepines)

• ECT: (Electro-Convulsive Therapy)

• What are they used for?– To treat depression– To treat agoraphobia and social phobia

• How do they work?- Raise levels of serotonin in the brain- Prozac reduces the rate of re-absorption of serotonin (serotonin

levels don’t drop, mood remains constant).- Prozac can be a long term treatment (also used to treat OCD)

• Are there any side effects?– Nausea,– Insomnia– Sexual dysfunction– Suicidal morbidity

• What are they used for?– Range of anxiety disorders (phobias, panic attacks and sleep

disorders)– Extreme, prolonged stress.

• How do they work?- GABA has a natural ‘quietening’ effect on neurons in the

brain. GABA activity is enhanced by the drugs (reduces serotonin)

- Sedatives that act to decrease heart and respiration rate (reduce tension and nervousness)

- Calming effect

• Are there any side effects?• Dependency (addiction)• Drowsiness and lethargy• Toxic – overdose can lead to death

Effective

Drug therapies are effective

e.g. Kahn (1986) found that biological therapies (drugs) were much more effective than placebos

This is a strength because it means that individuals are being relieved of symptoms, helping them cope with

everyday life

Side effects

Drugs can have negative side effects

e.g. anti-depressants can cause suicidal morbidity and insomnia

This is a weakness because drug therapies might make the patient’s condition worse

Symptoms not cause?

Drug therapies often only treat the symptoms rather than the cause of a disorder

e.g. depression could be caused by family issues rather than low levels of serotonin

This is a weakness because drugs don’t provide a long-term solution and the effects of the drugs stop when the

drugs do

Used for drug resistant depressionLast resort (NICE 2003)

•Small electric current passed through the brain •(70 - 150 volts for 0.04 - 1 second)• Causes a seizure, lasts for up to 1 minute (similar to epilepsy)• General anaesthetic & muscle relaxants•Brain stimulated by placing electrodes on head• Bilateral (both sides) or Unilateral (one side, non-dominant hemisphere)•Process repeated 3 times a week for up to a month.

• Biochemical change: – Produces biochemical changes (greater than

drugs)– Increased sensitivity to serotonin– Increases release of dopamine (Sasa, 1999)

• Brain damage theory:– Produces brain damage, memory loss,

disorientation – creates the illusion that problems have gone.

Abrams (1997) after 50 years we still don’t

know!!

For example, Comer (2002) found that 60-70% of patients improve after treatment.

This is a strength because is suggests that ECT is a useful therapy where all others have failed and when the

depression is so severe that it could otherwise lead to suicide.

For example, the DOH (1999) reported that in 30% of cases patients reported permanent anxiety/fear.

This is a weakness because ECT can cause serious damage and might actually be doing more harm than good, and patients should be fully aware of all potential harmful

side effects.

For example, ECT can be given under section III of the MHA (1983) – against the patients wishes.

This is a weakness because in a large number of patients there is a real risk of long-term brain impairment –

patients that may not have had a choice to decline the treatment.