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| Question | Answer |
| Explain the use of antipsychotics as a drug treatment. | Used to combat symptoms of psychotic illnesses such as Schizophrenia. Conventional antipsychotics block transmission of dopamine, and so alleviate many symptoms of the disorder. |
| Explain the use of antidepressants as a drug treatment for abnormality. | SSRIs block the transporter mechanism which reabsorbs serotonin into the nerve cell prolonging its activity and relieving the symptoms of depression. |
| Explain the use of anti-anxiety as a drug treatment. | Benzodiazepines reduce anxiety by slowing down the central nervous system. Beta-blockers reduce anxiety by reducing the activity of adrenaline and noradrenaline, part of the body's response to stress. |
| What are the strengths of using drugs to treat abnormality? | Ease of use - require little effort from patient, more motivated to continue treatment than time consuming psychological treatments. Effectiveness - chemotherapies work when compared to placebo. However, drug alone is less effective than when combined with psychological therapies. |
| What are the limitations of using drugs to treat abnormality? | Symptoms not Cause - when patient stops taking drugs, effectiveness ceases and symptoms return. Side Effects - Patients stop taking medication as they cannot cope with side effects. SSRIs cause nausea or even suicidal thoughts. |
| Explain the use of ECT to treat abnormality. | Generally used for severely depressed patients for whom psychotherapy and drugs don't work. Small current lasting about half a second is passed through the brain. Produces a seizure, which affects the whole brain. Affects action of neurotransmitters, recovery from depression may be due to improved communication between different parts of the brain. |
| What are the strengths of using ECT to treat abnormality? | Saves lives - can be effective treatment for severe depression which may otherwise lead to suicide. Effectiveness - Comer- 60-70% of ECT patients improve after treatment, critics claim 84% relapse within 6 months. |
| What are the limitations of using ECT to treat abnormality? | Side Effects - include impaired memory, cardiovascular problems and headaches. DOH found 30% had permanent fear or anxiety after. Sham ECT - Some sham patients recover, suggesting that attention plays a part in recovery. |
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