{"id":1271,"date":"2023-03-31T17:38:16","date_gmt":"2023-03-31T17:38:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/introductiontopsychology\/chapter\/biomedical-therapies\/"},"modified":"2026-01-21T15:47:20","modified_gmt":"2026-01-21T15:47:20","slug":"biomedical-therapies","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/introductiontopsychology\/chapter\/biomedical-therapies\/","title":{"raw":"Humanistic and Biomedical Therapies: Learn It 2\u2014Biomedical Therapies","rendered":"Humanistic and Biomedical Therapies: Learn It 2\u2014Biomedical Therapies"},"content":{"raw":"
Biomedical Therapies<\/h2>\r\n
Beginning in the mid-20th century, new medical treatments (especially medications) transformed mental health care. Today, biomedical therapies<\/b><\/span> are used to reduce symptoms by targeting brain and body processes involved in mood, thinking, attention, sleep, and arousal. Many people use biomedical therapies alongside psychotherapy<\/b><\/span>, while others use them on their own\u2014especially when symptoms are severe or urgent.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
biomedical therapy<\/h3>\r\n
Biomedical therapies<\/b><\/span> are treatments for psychological disorders that use medical approaches\u2014most commonly prescription medications<\/b><\/span> and brain-stimulation therapies<\/b><\/span> (such as ECT or TMS). These approaches are often used when symptoms significantly impair daily functioning, when safety is a concern, or when psychotherapy alone is not enough.<\/p>\r\n<\/section>\r\n
Psychotropic Medications<\/h2>\r\n
Psychotropic medications<\/b><\/span> are prescription drugs that affect brain chemistry and are used to treat symptoms of psychological disorders. They are prescribed by medical clinicians (including psychiatrists and other physicians, and in some settings nurse practitioners or physician assistants). The field focused on medication treatment for mental health is often called psychopharmacology<\/b><\/span>.<\/p>\r\n
Medications usually manage symptoms rather than \u201ccure\u201d<\/b><\/span> a disorder. Some are used short-term; others are used long-term to reduce relapse risk and improve daily functioning. Medication decisions typically involve trial-and-adjustment, ongoing monitoring, and shared decision-making around benefits, side effects, and goals.<\/p>\r\n
increases availability of serotonin and\/or norepinephrine<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n
\r\n
side effects can include GI upset, sleep changes, sexual side effects; tapering may be needed to avoid withdrawal-like symptoms<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
can reduce appetite and disrupt sleep; monitoring is important<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n
Brain-Stimulation and Rapid-Acting Biomedical Treatments<\/b><\/h2>\r\n
Some biomedical therapies use electricity, magnetic fields, implanted devices, or rapid-acting medications to change brain activity patterns.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)<\/h3>\r\n
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), <\/strong>uses a carefully controlled electrical stimulus to produce a brief seizure. Modern ECT is done with anesthesia and medical monitoring<\/b><\/span>. It is most commonly used for severe depression<\/b><\/span>, especially when symptoms are urgent or when other treatments have not helped. A major concern is memory side effects<\/b><\/span>, especially around the time of treatment.<\/p>\r\n<\/section>\r\n
An alternative to ECT is transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)<\/strong>, a procedure approved by the FDA in 2008 that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to improve depression symptoms. It does not<\/span> require anesthesia and does not<\/span> induce a seizure. It is used when other treatments have not worked (Mayo Clinic, 2012).<\/p>\r\n
Deep brain stimulation (DBS)<\/b><\/h3>\r\n
DBS<\/b><\/span> involves surgically implanted electrodes that deliver stimulation to specific brain circuits. In mental health, DBS has been used in very limited cases (typically severe, treatment-resistant conditions). The FDA has granted a Humanitarian Device Exemption (HDE)<\/span> for a DBS system for refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder<\/span> in adults (a narrow, specialized indication).\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\r\n
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS)<\/b><\/h3>\r\n
VNS<\/b><\/span> uses an implanted device to send stimulation through the vagus nerve. The treatment involves sending regular, mild pulses of electrical energy to the brain via the vagus nerve, a large nerve in the neck. This is achieved through a device that is surgically implanted under the skin in the chest, similar to a pacemaker. A wire (lead) connected to this device is wound around the vagus nerve in the neck. The electrical pulses are delivered to the nerve by the device periodically throughout the day. It has long been used for epilepsy and has also received FDA approval for treatment-resistant depression<\/b><\/span> under specific conditions and monitoring requirements.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\r\n
Ketamine-assisted therapy and intranasal esketamine<\/b><\/h3>\r\n
Ketamine-assisted therapy <\/b>is<\/b> rapid-acting treatment for people with treatment-resistant depression (and other conditions like PTSD, chronic pain, or substance-abused disorders). Low-dose ketamine, a type of anesthetic (often given as six IV infusions over 2\u20134 weeks, or as intranasal esketamine) works by boosting glutamate-driven synapse growth. Relief can appear within hours and is paired with follow-up therapy sessions to reinforce lasting change. Clinics screen for cardiovascular and psychosis risk, monitor patients for about two hours post-dose, and reserve ketamine for those who haven\u2019t improved on standard medications.<\/p>\r\nA buzzword in therapy today is evidence-based practice<\/strong>. However, it\u2019s not a novel concept but one that has been used in medicine for at least two decades. Evidence-based practice is used to reduce errors in treatment selection by making clinical decisions based on research (Sackett & Rosenberg, 1995). In any case, evidence-based treatment is on the rise in the field of psychology. So what is it, and why does it matter?\r\n\r\n
In an effort to determine which treatment methodologies are evidenced-based, professional organizations such as the American Psychological Association (APA) have recommended that specific psychological treatments be used to treat certain psychological disorders (Chambless & Ollendick, 2001). According to the APA (2005), \u201cEvidence-based practice in psychology (EBPP) is the integration of the best available research with clinical expertise in the context of patient characteristics, culture, and preferences\u201d (p. 1).<\/p>\r\n
The foundational idea behind evidence-based treatment is that best practices are determined by research evidence that has been compiled by comparing various forms of treatment (Charman & Barkham, 2005). These treatments are then operationalized and placed in treatment manuals\u2014trained therapists follow these manuals. The benefits are that evidence-based treatment can reduce variability between therapists to ensure that a specific approach is delivered with integrity (Charman & Barkham, 2005). Therefore, clients have a higher chance of receiving therapeutic interventions that are effective at treating their specific disorder. While EBPP is based on randomized control trials, critics of EBPP reject it stating that the results of trials cannot be applied to individuals and instead determinations regarding treatment should be based on a therapist\u2019s judgment (Mullen & Streiner, 2004).<\/p>\r\n<\/section>\r\n\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
What are some of the advantages and limitations of using biomedical therapies like psychotropic medications and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in the treatment of psychological disorders?<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
Advantages of Biomedical Therapies<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\t
\r\n
Immediate Relief<\/strong>: Psychotropic medications often provide quick relief from acute symptoms, making it easier for patients to participate in psychotherapy.<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t
\r\n
Accessibility<\/strong>: Medications are widely available and can be administered by general physicians, making treatment more accessible for many people.<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t
\r\n
Scientifically Backed<\/strong>: Treatments like ECT have shown high efficacy rates in treating severe depression and are often considered when other treatments fail.<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t
\r\n
Broad Application<\/strong>: Biomedical therapies can treat a wide range of psychological disorders, from depression and anxiety to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
Limitations of Biomedical Therapies<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\t
\r\n
Side Effects<\/strong>: Psychotropic medications often come with a range of side effects, from mild (e.g., drowsiness, nausea) to severe (e.g., tardive dyskinesia, increased risk of suicide).<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t
\r\n
Symptom Treatment, Not Cure<\/strong>: These therapies generally treat the symptoms but do not cure the underlying psychological disorder.<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t
\r\n
Over-reliance<\/strong>: There's a risk of becoming overly reliant on medication, which can sometimes deter patients from pursuing other forms of treatment like psychotherapy.<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t
\r\n
Stigma<\/strong>: Both medication and especially ECT carry a societal stigma, which can affect a patient's willingness to seek treatment.<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t
\r\n
Cost<\/strong>: Some of these treatments, particularly newer medications and procedures like deep brain stimulation, can be expensive and may not be covered by insurance.<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t
\r\n
Ethical Concerns<\/strong>: In the case of ECT, there are ethical considerations given its invasive nature and the potential for memory loss.<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n\r\n[\/hidden-answer]<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/section>\r\n
<\/p>","rendered":"
Biomedical Therapies<\/h2>\n
Beginning in the mid-20th century, new medical treatments (especially medications) transformed mental health care. Today, biomedical therapies<\/b><\/span> are used to reduce symptoms by targeting brain and body processes involved in mood, thinking, attention, sleep, and arousal. Many people use biomedical therapies alongside psychotherapy<\/b><\/span>, while others use them on their own\u2014especially when symptoms are severe or urgent.<\/p>\n\n
biomedical therapy<\/h3>\n
Biomedical therapies<\/b><\/span> are treatments for psychological disorders that use medical approaches\u2014most commonly prescription medications<\/b><\/span> and brain-stimulation therapies<\/b><\/span> (such as ECT or TMS). These approaches are often used when symptoms significantly impair daily functioning, when safety is a concern, or when psychotherapy alone is not enough.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n
Psychotropic Medications<\/h2>\n
Psychotropic medications<\/b><\/span> are prescription drugs that affect brain chemistry and are used to treat symptoms of psychological disorders. They are prescribed by medical clinicians (including psychiatrists and other physicians, and in some settings nurse practitioners or physician assistants). The field focused on medication treatment for mental health is often called psychopharmacology<\/b><\/span>.<\/p>\n
Medications usually manage symptoms rather than \u201ccure\u201d<\/b><\/span> a disorder. Some are used short-term; others are used long-term to reduce relapse risk and improve daily functioning. Medication decisions typically involve trial-and-adjustment, ongoing monitoring, and shared decision-making around benefits, side effects, and goals.<\/p>\n
can reduce appetite and disrupt sleep; monitoring is important<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
Brain-Stimulation and Rapid-Acting Biomedical Treatments<\/b><\/h2>\n
Some biomedical therapies use electricity, magnetic fields, implanted devices, or rapid-acting medications to change brain activity patterns.<\/p>\n\n
electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)<\/h3>\n
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), <\/strong>uses a carefully controlled electrical stimulus to produce a brief seizure. Modern ECT is done with anesthesia and medical monitoring<\/b><\/span>. It is most commonly used for severe depression<\/b><\/span>, especially when symptoms are urgent or when other treatments have not helped. A major concern is memory side effects<\/b><\/span>, especially around the time of treatment.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n
An alternative to ECT is transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)<\/strong>, a procedure approved by the FDA in 2008 that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to improve depression symptoms. It does not<\/span> require anesthesia and does not<\/span> induce a seizure. It is used when other treatments have not worked (Mayo Clinic, 2012).<\/p>\n
Deep brain stimulation (DBS)<\/b><\/h3>\n
DBS<\/b><\/span> involves surgically implanted electrodes that deliver stimulation to specific brain circuits. In mental health, DBS has been used in very limited cases (typically severe, treatment-resistant conditions). The FDA has granted a Humanitarian Device Exemption (HDE)<\/span> for a DBS system for refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder<\/span> in adults (a narrow, specialized indication).\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS)<\/b><\/h3>\n
VNS<\/b><\/span> uses an implanted device to send stimulation through the vagus nerve. The treatment involves sending regular, mild pulses of electrical energy to the brain via the vagus nerve, a large nerve in the neck. This is achieved through a device that is surgically implanted under the skin in the chest, similar to a pacemaker. A wire (lead) connected to this device is wound around the vagus nerve in the neck. The electrical pulses are delivered to the nerve by the device periodically throughout the day. It has long been used for epilepsy and has also received FDA approval for treatment-resistant depression<\/b><\/span> under specific conditions and monitoring requirements.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n
Ketamine-assisted therapy and intranasal esketamine<\/b><\/h3>\n
Ketamine-assisted therapy <\/b>is<\/b> rapid-acting treatment for people with treatment-resistant depression (and other conditions like PTSD, chronic pain, or substance-abused disorders). Low-dose ketamine, a type of anesthetic (often given as six IV infusions over 2\u20134 weeks, or as intranasal esketamine) works by boosting glutamate-driven synapse growth. Relief can appear within hours and is paired with follow-up therapy sessions to reinforce lasting change. Clinics screen for cardiovascular and psychosis risk, monitor patients for about two hours post-dose, and reserve ketamine for those who haven\u2019t improved on standard medications.<\/p>\nA buzzword in therapy today is evidence-based practice<\/strong>. However, it\u2019s not a novel concept but one that has been used in medicine for at least two decades. Evidence-based practice is used to reduce errors in treatment selection by making clinical decisions based on research (Sackett & Rosenberg, 1995). In any case, evidence-based treatment is on the rise in the field of psychology. So what is it, and why does it matter?<\/p>\n
In an effort to determine which treatment methodologies are evidenced-based, professional organizations such as the American Psychological Association (APA) have recommended that specific psychological treatments be used to treat certain psychological disorders (Chambless & Ollendick, 2001). According to the APA (2005), \u201cEvidence-based practice in psychology (EBPP) is the integration of the best available research with clinical expertise in the context of patient characteristics, culture, and preferences\u201d (p. 1).<\/p>\n
The foundational idea behind evidence-based treatment is that best practices are determined by research evidence that has been compiled by comparing various forms of treatment (Charman & Barkham, 2005). These treatments are then operationalized and placed in treatment manuals\u2014trained therapists follow these manuals. The benefits are that evidence-based treatment can reduce variability between therapists to ensure that a specific approach is delivered with integrity (Charman & Barkham, 2005). Therefore, clients have a higher chance of receiving therapeutic interventions that are effective at treating their specific disorder. While EBPP is based on randomized control trials, critics of EBPP reject it stating that the results of trials cannot be applied to individuals and instead determinations regarding treatment should be based on a therapist\u2019s judgment (Mullen & Streiner, 2004).<\/p>\n<\/section>\n\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
What are some of the advantages and limitations of using biomedical therapies like psychotropic medications and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in the treatment of psychological disorders?<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n