Unit5.6H!Overview of Therapy Modalities and Treatments

Group Therapy

Clients meet together with a therapist as an interactive group. Cheaper, but more diluted response.

Twelve-step programs

Strong social support system of people who have or are experiencing addictions or other types of maladaptive adjustments to life. Peer support.

Couples or Family therapy

Couples therapy focuses on improving the dynamics within a romantic relationship, while family therapy addresses issues within the broader family unit.

Biological therapy

Treatment involving biological methods, often including medication.

Psychopharmacology

Treatment with medication.

Psychotropics

Psychologically active drugs.

Antipsychotics

Thorazine and Haldol reduce schizophrenia symptoms by blocking neural receptors of dopamine. Side effects might cause jerky movements or tremors. New drugs include: Risperidone, Clozapine, Abilify, and Seroquel.

Antidepressants

Medications used to treat depression.

MAO inhibitors

Eutron, increasing serotonin and norepinephrine in the synaptic cleft by blocking monoamine oxidase, which breaks down the neurotransmitters.

Tricyclics

Norpramin, Amitriptyline, and Imipramine increase serotonin and norepinephrine.

Selective reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Increasing neurotransmitters at the synaptic cleft by blocking the reuptake. This includes Prozac (Fluoxetine).

Anxiolytics

Depress CNS and reduce anxiety while increasing well-being and reducing insomnia. A common one is Xanax, or barbiturates (these are riskier for addiction). Benzodiazepines, including Valium and Librium which allow for muscle relaxation and tranquility.

Lithium Salts

Helps for bipolar disorder.

Tardive dyskinesia

A movement disorder related to dopamine regulation.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

Treatment with high voltages of electricity to help with depression.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation

Magnetic stimulation to the nerve cells to help in treatment-resistant depression.