week 9_psychotropic medications

Introduction to Psychopharmacology

Focus on pharmacotherapy for mental disorders, noting this is not medical advice.

Reasons for Medication in Mental Disorders

Medical model inclusion and recognition of physical aspects of disorders.
Traditional therapies may be insufficient; medication aids relief and safety.
Understanding chemical imbalances and insurance policies compels medication use.

Evidence for Drug Treatments

Genetic studies indicate biologically based treatments.
Brain data informs understanding; drug effects on behavior reveal chemical bases for disorders.

Coverage Areas

Major Depression: Symptoms include sadness and loss of interest; rates are increasing in younger individuals.

Biological Basis: Genetic heritability, elevated cortisol, and neural correlates linked to reward pathways.
Treatment: Monoamine Hypothesis suggests neurotransmitter imbalances.
- Drug Types: MAOIs, SSRIs, SNRIs, focusing on neurotransmitter availability.
- Treatment-Resistant: Esketamine as an FDA-approved option with controversy over evidence.

Schizophrenia: Symptoms are positive (hallucinations) and negative (lack of emotion), onset typically in mid-twenties.

Biological Correlates: Genetic concordance and brain abnormalities found.
Medications: First Generation (Typical) block dopamine; Second Generation (Atypical) block both dopamine and serotonin; Third Generation aim to reduce side effects.
Neurotransmitter Hypotheses: Excess dopamine and NMDA receptor dysfunction contribute to symptoms.

Anxiety Disorders: Treat with anxiolytic drugs (GABA agonists).

MDMA and PTSD: MDMA-assisted therapy shows promise, with long-term benefits reported.

Extended sessions alongside psychotherapy contribute to symptom relief.