Module 73: Biomedical Therapies

Antipsychotic drugs

Drugs that are used to treat schizophrenia and other severe thought disorders

Blocking dopamine

How antipsychotic drugs work

Antianxiety drugs

Drugs that are used to control anxiety and agitation

Depressing the nervous system

How antianxiety drugs work

Antidepressant drugs

Drugs used to treat depression, anxiety disorders, OCD, and PTSD

Boosting the nervous system and serotonin levels

How antidepressant drugs work

Lithium

Drugs that are used to treat bipolar disorder

Lobotomy

A procedure in which nerves that connect the frontal lobe and emotional control centers are cut

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

A therapy in which a person is sedated and given an electric current through their brain

Severe cases of depression

When ECT is used

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS)

A procedure in which repeated pulses of magnetic energy are sent to the brain in order to stimulate or suppress brain activity

Depression

When rTMS is used

Aerobic exercise

An approach consisting of 30 minutes of aerobic exercise for at least 3 days a week

Light exposure

An approach consisting of at least 30 minutes with a light box each morning

Nutritional supplement

An approach consisting of a healthy diet including omega-3 and fish oils