1. What are some of the biological approaches used to treat psychological disorders?
Biological treatment acts directly on the biological mechanism that causes the mental condition. It works by altering the function of neurotransmitters, changing the way cells in the nervous system function or removing the dysfunctional parts of the nervous system. There are three primary methods of biological treatment. The first method is drug treatment that uses medications such as selective serotine reuptake inhibitors, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and Prozac to change the level of neurotransmitters available in the brain (Boer, Johan & Sitsen, 2011). The second method involves using an electroconvulsive therapy that works by applying electrodes to patients head then electric currents is passed through their brain until they have a convulsive fit. This method is used by individuals that do not respond to antidepressant drugs. The final method used is psychosurgery; this method uses brain surgery to treat a psychological disorder. This method is the most invasive since it involves the removal of brain tissue and its effects are irreversible and unpredictable.
2. What are some of the social interventions used to treat psychological disorders?
Psychosocial intervention capitalises on social action to produce a change in the patient's condition. Assertive community treatment is the first example of psychosocial intervention; it encompasses a wide array of services and interventions provided by a community-based treatment team. The team is made up of managers, psychiatrists, peer support workers, nurses, social workers, psychologists, and vocational specialists. This team is tasked with providing a comprehensive community-based psychiatric team, rehabilitation, and support to individuals with mental problems (Clement, 2010). The second method is the cognitive behavioural therapy; it combines behavioural techniques with cognitive psychology. The primary aim of this approach is to replace maladaptive behaviour and faulty cognitions with a self-statement and thoughts that promote adaptive behaviour. The final method is the contingency management; this approach is designed for substance use disorders. It uses an incentive-based approach that rewards the client when he or she accomplishes the desired outcome.
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References
Boer, D., Johan, A., & Sitsen, A. D. (2011). Handbook of depression and anxiety. The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 183(9), 612. doi:10.1097/00005053-199509000-00015
Clement, I. (2010). Chapter-20 Mental Health and Mental Hygiene. Psychosocial Foundation of Nursing, 3(4) 304-325. doi:10.5005/jp/books/11375_20