35.1Overview of Biomedical Therapies and Psychopharmacology

What are biomedical therapies focused on?

The brain and the physiological being.

What is Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) commonly referred to as?

Shock therapy.

What is a significant side effect of ECT?

Memory loss, which may be severe and irreversible.

What is a prefrontal lobotomy?

A procedure that severs the frontal lobe from the rest of the brain.

What was the intent of the prefrontal lobotomy?

To reduce impulsive actions and emotional outbursts of patients.

What are the risks associated with prefrontal lobotomy?

Patients could be put into a vegetative state or left as shells of who they once were.

What is Pharmacotherapy?

Medical treatments through the use of drugs.

What are psychotropics?

Drugs that alter a person's mental state.

How are psychotropic drugs categorized?

According to the types of symptoms they treat.

What are Antipsychotic drugs used for?

To alleviate and treat agitation, delusions, and hallucinations symptomatic of schizophrenia and thought-based disorders.

How do Antipsychotic drugs like Chlorpromazine work?

By blocking the activity of dopamine transmission.

What are common side effects of Antipsychotic drugs?

Dry mouth, muscle tremors and stiffness, and tardive dyskinesia.

What are some side effects of Anti-Anxiety drugs?

Impaired alertness and attention, and risk of addiction and overdose.

What are Anti-Depressants used to treat?

Symptoms of depression such as sadness, hopelessness, and despondency.

What are Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)?

A group of antidepressants that block the reabsorption of unused serotonin in the synapse.

What are common side effects of SSRIs?

Nausea, dizziness, and nervousness.

What is the role of mood-stabilizers like Lithium?

To reduce the severity of manic and depressive episodes found in Bipolar I.

What is a concern regarding antidepressants in teens?

The risk of addiction or distribution of medication to those who do not need it.