Biological Therapies

Biological Therapies

also called biomedical therapies, treatments that reduce or eliminate the symptoms of psychological disorders by altering aspects of body functioning.

Antianxiety drugs

commonly known as tranquilizers, drugs that reduce anxiety by making the individual calmer and less excitable.

Benzodiazepines

generally offer the greatest relief, but are potentially addictive. They bind to receptor sites of neurotransmitters that become overactive during anxiety. (Xanax)

Antidepressant drugs

drugs that regulate mood

Tricyclics

antidepressant, increase the level of certain neurotransmitters, mainly norepinephrine and serotonin.

Tetracyclics

antidepressant, enhances the brain levels of norepinephrine and serotonin.

MAO Inhibitors

antidepressant, block the enzyme monoamine oxidase, which breaks down serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

antidepressant, targets serotonin, mainly interfering with the reabsorption of serotonin in the brain.(Zoloft)

Lithium

antidepressant, widely used to treat bipolar disorder, stabilizing moods by influencing norepinephrine and serotonin.

Antipsychotic drugs

powerful drugs that diminish agitated behavior, reduce tension, decrease hallucinations, improve social behavior, and produce better sleep patterns in individuals with sever psychological disorders, especially schizophrenia.

Neruoleptics

the most common antipsychotic drug used, and reduce many schizophrenic symptoms by reducing dopamine in the brain. Side effects: tardive dyskinesia, a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary movements of the facial muscles, tongue, mouth, and twitching of arms and legs.

Atypical Antipsychotics

influence dopamine and serotonin and carry a much lower risk of neuroleptic side effects. Include Reperdal and Clozaril.

Electroconvulsive Therapy

also called shock therapy, a treatment commonly used for depression that sets of a seizure in the brain.

Psychosurgery

involves removal or destruction of the brain tissue to improve the individual’s adjustment, irreversible.

Deep Brain Stimulation

a procedure for treatment-resistant depression that involves the implantation of electrodes in the brain that emit signals to alter the brain’s electrical circuitry.