V. Biomedical Therapies

A. Overview

 

B. Drug Therapy

* Antianxiety

* Antidepressants

* Mood stabilizers

* Antipsychotics

 

 

C.    Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

* An electric current is passed through the brain to induce a seizure lasting 25 seconds. Usually 3 treatments a week for a total of 8-10 treatments. Used in cases of major depression that have not responded to other treatments & where there is a high risk of suicide. (patient)

 

D.    Psychosurgery

* Surgical alteration of brain tissue.  Last resort, rarely used.

 * Original  procedure = icepick lobotomy, prefrontal lobotomy (1930's)