Biological Therapies

Overview

Biological therapies refer to treatments that directly influence the body’s biological functioning to treat psychological disorders.
These therapies are usually based on the assumption that mental disorders stem from an underlying biological cause.
Biological therapies include drug treatments, electroconvulsive therapy, and psychosurgery.

Drug Treatments

Psychiatric drugs are often used to manage psychological disorders by altering the biochemical balance in the brain.
They include anti-anxiety drugs, antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics, among others.
While these medications don’t cure the disorder, they can help manage symptoms, often by targeting specific neurotransmitters or receptors.

Electroconvulsive Therapy

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) involves sending an electric current through the patient’s brain to induce a brief seizure; this is thought to alter the brain’s biochemical balance.
This treatment approach is typically used for severe cases of depression when other therapies have not worked.
Despite its stigma and potential side effects, such as memory loss, it is effective in severe cases.

Psychosurgery

Psychosurgery is a surgical procedure on the brain used to ameliorate mental disorder if no other therapy option works.
An example is a lobotomy, but these are rarely performed today due to their invasive nature and severe side effects.
Instead, modern psychosurgery involves more precise and less intrusive techniques, such as deep brain stimulation.

Impact on Mental Health

The appropriate use of biological therapies can greatly reduce the symptoms of mental disorders and improve the quality of life.
However, these therapies are usually used alongside psychological therapies for the most effective treatment.
Importantly, all biological therapies come with potential side effects and ethical considerations that must be taken into account in treatment planning.

Research and Methods

Biological therapies have been extensively researched through randomised control trials and clinical observations.
Frameworks such as the biopsychosocial model emphasise an integrated approach that combines biological, psychological, and social factors in understanding and treating mental health conditions.

Key Contributions

Emil Kraepelin: Played a key role in establishing a biological basis for mental disorders, paving the way for the development of biological treatments.
Antonio Egas Moniz: A controversial figure, he developed the lobotomy, for which he won a Nobel Prize, though the method is now largely discredited.
Deep Brain Stimulation Developers: A newer form of therapy, with researchers and practitioners contributing to its development and refinement for various conditions.

Criticisms and Limitations

Dependence risk: For medication, there is a risk patients may become too dependent or face withdrawal symptoms.
Over-medicating: In some cases, medication may be prioritized over other treatments, and possible side effects may be overlooked.
Ineffectiveness: Not all patients respond to biological therapies; some may not improve, or their symptoms could worsen.
Ethical issues: Psychosurgery, due to its potential for irreversible brain damage, invokes considerable ethical concerns.

Such criticism underlines the importance of integrating biological therapies with other psychological and social approaches for a comprehensive approach to mental health.