Biological drugs treatment UPD

AO1 points for drugs as a biological treatment of UPD

• The biological approach assumes that UPD is caused by low levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain - known as the monoamine hypothesis

• Antidepressant drugs aim to correct the symptoms of depression by increasing the levels of these neurotransmitters

• SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed antidepressant (e.g. fluoxetine, branded as Prozac). This works by blocking the reuptake of serotonin in the synapse, increasing its availability to bind with receptors on the postsynaptic neurone

• Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) inhibit the enzyme monoamine oxidase, which breaks down serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, therefore increasing the levels of these neurotransmitters

• Tricyclic Antidepressants are an older class of antidepressant that works by blocking the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine

Supporting AO3

Cipriani et al (2018) did a paper review of studies looking at 522 double-blind trials of antidepressants. All of the drugs were found to be more effective than placebo. 

Keller (2000) found recovery rates were 55% for drugs and 52% for cbt

Conflicting AO3

Keller (2000) found recovery rates were 55% for drugs alone, 52% using CBT but 85% when both used in combination 
Preksom found that most anti-depressants take longer to work for older people (suggesting maybe not useful to everyone) 
10-30% of patients with severe depression do not respond to antidepressants

Opposing AO3

CBT therapy, addressing the psychological root cause of the problem, rather than merely solving the symptoms, which is what the drugs do. This is a long-term solution as patients are equipped with the skills they need to manage any relapses 

Usefulness AO3

May allow participants to reach a stable mental health, then can access other treatments such as CBT, as this is more emotionally draining. (Keller).  (more easily accessible, less time consuming and less emotionally draining than CBT). Much quicker to take and prescribe than CBT, which has long waiting lists

Side effects of the drugs may reduce the safety of use – side effects can include mania, sexual dysfunction and diabetes 

Testability AO3

this treatment is testable as objective doses and concentrations of drugs can be measured easily. however there is still some reliance on participant's self reporting data in the improvement of their symptoms, and this could be subject to social desirability bias impacting validity
influence of large pharmaceutical companies

Conclusion

To consider:

• Moral issues of controlling behaviour through drugs – known as a ‘chemical straightjacket’. This has ethical issues of social control. 

• Formulation might be more useful, holistic approach, perhaps link to Diathesis Stress model