Psychology 1000 Lecture Notes - Lecture 16: Chorea, Antipsychotic, Dyskinesia

• School: Western University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: Psychology 1000
• Professor: Lynda Hutchinson

Document Summary

Contemporary view alternates between mental disorders as diseases (medical treatment) & emotional problems (psychological treatment) Drug treatments on the rise with growing recognition of biological and genetic components to disorders. Medications that alter the production of or response to neurotransmitters in the brain. Drugs used primarily in the treatment of schizophrenia & other psychotic disorders. Most designed to block or reduce the sensitivity of the brain receptors that respond to dopamine. Side effects such as muscular rigidity, tremors, and involuntary muscle movements (tardive dyskinesia) Drugs commonly but often inappropriately prescribed for patients who complain of unhappiness, anxiety, or worry. Useful as short-term treatment of panic disorder. Lithium carbonate: drug frequently given to people suffering from bipolar disorder (moderates norepinephrine & stops overstimulation from glutamate) The placebo effect: the apparent success of a medication or treatment due to the patient"s expectations or hope rather than to the drug itself.