MPH - The Biomedical Therapies and Preventing Psychological Disorders Lesson

Learning Targets:

• Explain interventions developed from the biological perspective.
• Describe drug therapies and the role of double-blind experiments in assessing their effectiveness.
• Describe how brain stimulation and psychosurgery are utilized to treat specific disorders.
• Identify effective applications of hypnosis in therapy.
• Outline strategies for preventing psychological disorders.

Courtesy of the AP psychology course and exam description, effective fall 2024. (n.d.). Links to an external site.

 

Biomedical Therapies

Biomedical therapies are treatments that focus on altering body chemistry to address psychological disorders. These therapies typically involve the use of drugs or psychopharmacology. Rooted in the biological perspective, biomedical therapies modify the brain's chemistry through medication, impacting its neural circuits via techniques like electrical stimulation, magnetic impulses, or even psychosurgery and influencing its responses through lifestyle adjustments or hypnosis. It's important to note that, unlike talk therapies, biomedical interventions may have notable side effects that must be carefully considered.

Drug Therapies

Biomedical therapies encompass a wide array of treatments aimed at addressing mental health concerns, with drug therapy standing out as one of the most commonly utilized approaches thanks to advancements in psychopharmacology. Drug therapies involve medication administration to alleviate symptoms and improve overall well-being. It's important to note that psychoactive medicines can have side effects, such as tardive dyskinesia, a movement disorder related to the regulation of dopamine in the nervous system. To evaluate the effectiveness of these drugs accurately, researchers often rely on double-blind studies. By implementing the double-blind procedure, where neither the participants nor the researchers know who is receiving the actual drug or a placebo, the placebo effect and researcher bias can be minimized, allowing for a more objective assessment of the drug's true impact on individuals.

 

Read through the items below to familiarize yourself with the different types of psychotropic medications, their descriptions, and examples.

Brain Stimulation

Brain stimulation therapies have been increasingly utilized in the treatment of specific disorders, particularly severe depression. One such therapy is Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), where brief electrical currents are administered to the brain of patients under anesthesia. ECT has proven to be effective for individuals experiencing severe depression who have not found relief through other forms of treatment. In addition to ECT, newer techniques like Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) have emerged as alternative options for depression management. Furthermore, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) have shown promise in addressing overactivity in specific brain regions associated with negative emotions in some patients. These innovative therapies offer hope to individuals struggling with treatment-resistant disorders, providing new avenues for managing their conditions effectively.

Psychosurgery

Psychosurgery is a treatment method that involves altering parts of the brain to alleviate the symptoms of psychological disorders. In the past, particularly during a darker period in the history of psychology, a procedure known as lobotomy was frequently utilized. Lobotomy involves using an ice pick-like instrument to disconnect the frontal lobes of the brain to address various psychological issues. Psychosurgery aims to remove or damage specific brain tissues to influence an individual's behavior. However, it's crucial to note that extreme forms of psychosurgery, such as lobotomy, are no longer practiced due to their irreversible effects on patients.

Psychosurgery techniques have significantly evolved in modern times. Today, procedures like MRI-guided precision brain surgery and brain tissue lesioning are considered rare last-resort treatments for specific psychological disorders. These contemporary approaches to psychosurgery are conducted on a much smaller scale compared to historical practices like lobotomy. The advancements in technology and understanding of the brain have led to more targeted and precise interventions, ensuring that the potential benefits of psychosurgery outweigh the risks associated with irreversible brain alterations.

Therapeutic Lifestyle Change and Hypnosis as Biomedical Therapies

Therapeutic lifestyle change and hypnosis are valued biomedical therapies due to their profound impact on the brain's response mechanisms. The mind and body operate as a unified system, meaning that alterations in one component can significantly influence the other. Exercise, nutrition, social connections, hobbies, altruism, stress management, and spiritual practices are crucial in shaping our mental well-being. Incorporating these elements into our daily routines can enhance our overall psychological health. Additionally, hypnosis has been recognized for its ability to alleviate both physical pain and emotional distress. Additionally, the concept of selective attention is often cited as a key mechanism through which hypnosis can provide relief from pain and anxiety.

Building Resilience and Prevention

Preventative mental health programs aim to prevent psychological disorders by addressing the root causes, such as poverty, lack of meaningful work, criticism, unemployment, and discrimination. Community psychologists work towards creating supportive environments that nurture psychological well-being, including initiatives to enhance individual resilience and provide tools to manage stress effectively. Developing resilience is crucial as it empowers individuals to navigate challenges, cope with stressors, bounce back from setbacks, and maintain a positive outlook, reducing the risk of developing mental health issues.

 

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