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Biological approach and treatments for abnormality (12marker)

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Introduction

Transfer-Encoding: chunked Biological approach (12 marks) The biological approach suggests psychological disorders have an organic or physical cause and tend to include brain injury, infection, neurotransmitters and genetics. Mental disorders are related to the physical structure and function of the brain; for example, neurotransmitters are thought to have involvement in conditions such as schizophrenias, bi-polar and depression. High levels of dopamine is linked with schizophrenia, low levels of serotonin is linked with depression and high serotonin is linked to Bi-polar. Treatments from the biological approach focusses on the organic of physical causes of abnormality, these include drug treatments and ECT (Electro convulsive therapy). There are many supporting research with this approach. For instance, McGuffin et al?s twin study found a link with genetics and depression. ...read more.

Middle

Furthermore, genetic studies do not provide 100% concordance for a genetic link which suggests that other factors may cause it. For instance a trigger could be stressed which is not purely biological. Lastly, drug treatment can provide support but not effective for all people and all disorders which means there are other factors are into play Treatments (12 marks) Two ways in which you can treat abnormality according to the biological approach ? drugs and ECT. The biological approach suggests that different drugs can treat abnormality. The first drug treatment is Benzodiazepines. These work by slowing down the activity of the central nervous system and reduce central arousal. BZs enhance the actions of GABA which is a neurotransmitter and is the body?s natural form of anxiety relief. ...read more.

Conclusion

Lastly, drugs have many side effects such as weight gain, drowsiness and dizziness. Another treatment is ECT. After the patient has given consent they are anesthetized. They are then given a muscle relaxant, tongue and teeth guard to protect them. Then they are given a minor shock of 100volts for 3-4 seconds and the patient may experience a slight seizure that may last 30secs to a minute. The patient may have 3-6 treatments per week for several weeks. ECT is very effective and has a 70% improvement on depression. In addition, it has been questioned if the patient can they give informed consent if they are sectioned (are they emotionally capable). Furthermore long term treatment has been proven to damage memory and cause memory loss. Lastly, it can be numbing for the patient and although their depression may be better they will have no emotion ...read more.

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