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.