The biological model of psychology focuses on treating the underlying physical issues that might be causing psychological disorders. For example, let us say there are two different individuals who are suffering from psychological disorders. The first one is Eric. Everyone knows that Eric is strange. He talks back to voices that only he can hear. He thinks that he's being watched and that his opponents are trying to control him with a device they planted in his arm. He also feels very little emotion and doesn't take care of his basic needs, like personal hygiene.
Jessie, meanwhile, seems normal. She doesn't talk to imaginary people and doesn't have delusions about being persecuted. She showers and seems to act normally. But, Jessie feels very sad all the time. She sometimes has trouble getting out of bed in the morning and doesn't really care about things that she used to really enjoy doing.
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Even though Eric and Jessie seem very different, they are both suffering from psychological issues. There are a wide variety of mental disorders and a wide variety of ways to treat them. For example, one psychologist might look at Jessie’s depression and say that it is caused by a problem from her childhood. As such, that psychologist would try to get Jessie to talk about her childhood in order to treat her.
Another psychologist might say that Jessie’s problem is her thought process. If she can change the way she thinks, they argue, then she will not be depressed anymore. The biological model of psychology says that psychological disorders are caused by biological problems. Biological psychologists or neuropsychologists treat the underlying problems in the brain and nervous system in order to help alleviate the symptoms of the disorder.
For example, a psychologist who believes in the biological model might say that Jessie’s depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in her brain and prescribe antidepressant medications to help bring her brain back into a healthy balance. Let's look closer at some common treatments in biological psychology which could be medication, electrical therapy, and psychosurgery. On the other hand, The word psychosocial might make people ponder. Psychological interventions can be defined as 'psycho' refers to psychology the study of human nature or the mind, its functions, and behavior, and 'social' refers to society. A group of people living together with shared laws and organizations. If we put these two ideas together, we can see that psychosocial means how humans interact with and relate to others around them. It focuses on relationships and how humans work in society.
When a person is not interacting with society well, psychosocial intervention may be used to help guide the person back into a healthy state of being. That is the use of non-medicinal means to alter a person's behaviors and relationships with society in order to reduce the impact of the person's disorder or condition. The key to psychosocial intervention is that it does not use pharmaceutical assistance in the endeavor to change a person's behaviors toward a more healthy interaction with society.
Psychosocial intervention can be used in cases of some psychological disorders, the termination of negative behaviors especially harmful addictions, and in well-being programs. While there are many different therapies with different focuses, educating the person suffering and their family or support system about the condition and treatment approach is key to the success of any psychosocial intervention. There are many types of intervention styles associated with a psychosocial intervention that fall under two main umbrellas of therapy which are cognitive therapy and behavioral therapy.
In a nutshell, biological interventions view mental illness as having physical causes. To overcome that physical treatment is used to treat brain dysfunction and the chemical imbalance in the brain. On the contrary, psychosocial interventions are viewed as having a mental illness as the cause, and treatment is used to assist the patients in developing adaptive thought and coping up with an emotional imbalance. The root cause will be looked into while dealing with the issues.
Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks.
There are four basic types of bipolar disorder; all of them involve clear changes in mood, energy, and activity levels. These moods range from periods of extremely “up,” elated, and energized behavior known as manic episodes to very sad, “down,” or hopeless periods known as depressive episodes. Less severe manic periods are known as hypomanic episodes.
Bipolar I Disorder is defined by manic episodes that last at least 7 days, or by manic symptoms that are so severe that the person needs immediate hospital care. Usually, depressive episodes occur as well, typically lasting at least 2 weeks. Episodes of depression with mixed features like having depression and manic symptoms at the same time are also possible.
Secondly, Bipolar II Disorder is defined by a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes, but not the full-blown manic episodes described above.
Lastly, it is Cyclothymic Disorder (also called cyclothymia) is defined by numerous periods of hypomanic symptoms as well as numerous periods of depressive symptoms lasting for at least 2 years and 1 year in children and adolescents.
If a person is not treated, episodes of bipolar-related mania can last for between 3 and 6 months whereby episodes of depression tend to last longer, often 6 to 12 months. But with effective treatment, episodes usually improve within about 3 months. Most people with bipolar disorder can be treated using a combination of different treatments. These can include 1 or more of the following such as the usage of medicine to prevent episodes of mania and depression and these are known as mood stabilizers and can be taken every day on a long-term basis. Next is medicine to treat the main symptoms of depression and mania when they happen. Lastly, to learn to recognize the triggers and signs of an episode of depression or mania.
My proposal for bipolar disorder would be through the usage of medications from a biological intervention perspective. Different types of medications can help control symptoms of bipolar disorder. An individual may need to try several different medications before finding the ones that work best for him or her. Several medicines are available to help stabilize mood swings. Medications generally used to treat bipolar disorder include mood stabilizers, lithium, atypical antipsychotics, antidepressants, and antimanic or anticonvulsant medicines (Divalproex). Depakote (divalproex sodium) is a medication known as an anticonvulsant that is used to treat the manic symptoms of bipolar disorder. In the UK, lithium is the main medicine used to treat bipolar disorder.
Lithium is a long-term treatment for episodes of mania and depression. It's usually prescribed for at least 6 months. If one has been prescribed lithium, they have to stick to the prescribed dose and not stop taking it suddenly unless told to by the doctor.
For lithium to be effective, the dosage must be correct. If it's incorrect, one may get side effects such as diarrhea and get sick. A regular blood test at least every 3 months while taking lithium. This is to make sure lithium levels are not too high or too low. Plus kidney and thyroid function will also need to be checked every 2 to 3 months if the dose of lithium is being adjusted, and every 12 months in all other cases.
Anticonvulsants (Depakote) are sometimes prescribed when patients experience rapid cycling of mood episodes and work by calming the hyperactivity of the brain during mania. Depakote was introduced when its therapeutic value was noted through improved mood stability.
As with most drugs used to treat bipolar disorder, anticonvulsants do have significant side effects which vary from person to person. For example, most can cause dizziness and drowsiness, headaches, dry mouth, etc. In many cases, though, side effects can lessen over time as the body becomes more accustomed to the medication. Despite all the problems associated with anticonvulsants, in some cases, they are more effective and less problematic than classic treatments.
Most people find that treating the symptoms of bipolar disorder requires a combination of medication, psychotherapy, and psychoeducation. Sometimes substance use treatment, intensive outpatient programs, and hospitalization are necessary as well. However, medication is an important part of treating bipolar disorder and stabilizing moods. As has been proposed above, Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid) is one of the most widely used and studied medications for treating bipolar disorder. This is also been mentioned in an article from WebMD Medical Reference under bipolar disorder treatment. Lithium helps reduce the severity and frequency of mania. It may also help relieve or prevent bipolar depression.
Studies show that lithium can significantly reduce suicide risk. Lithium also helps prevent future manic and depressive episodes. As a result, it may be prescribed for long periods of time (even between episodes) as maintenance therapy. Lithium acts on a person's central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). it is thought to help strengthen nerve cell connections in brain regions that are involved in regulating mood, thinking, and behavior.
Another statement from the article VerywellMind stated that Lithium is a naturally occurring element that was found, in the late 1800s, to have mood-stabilizing properties. The first paper on using lithium to treat what was then called manic depression was published in 1949. The FDA approved lithium in 1970
Psychotherapy. While medications are usually the cornerstone of treatment for bipolar disorder, ongoing psychotherapy is important to help patients understand and accept the personal and social disruptions of past episodes and better cope with future ones. Psychotherapy is a vital part of bipolar disorder treatment and can be provided in individual, family, or group settings. Routine psychotherapy helps patients stay on their medications. Several types of therapy may be helpful. These include:
- Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT). IPSRT focuses on the stabilization of daily rhythms, such as sleeping, waking, and mealtimes. A consistent routine allows for better mood management. People with bipolar disorder may benefit from establishing a daily routine for sleep, diet, and exercise.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The focus is identifying unhealthy, negative beliefs and behaviors and replacing them with healthy, positive ones. CBT can help identify what triggers your bipolar episodes. You also learn effective strategies to manage stress and cope with upsetting situations.
- Psychoeducation. Learning about bipolar disorder (psychoeducation) can help you and your loved ones understand the condition. Knowing what's going on can help you get the best support, identify issues, make a plan to prevent relapse, and stick with treatment.
- Family-focused therapy. Family support and communication can help you stick with your treatment plan and help you and your loved ones recognize and manage warning signs of mood swings.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which involves trying to change your patterns of thinking, is effective for bipolar disorder, according to the American Psychological Association. Strategies that are used in CBT include role-playing to get ready for interactions that could be problematic, facing fears directly rather than practicing avoidance, and learning techniques to calm and relax the mind and body.
Research suggests that adding cognitive-behavioral therapy to a treatment plan can improve the outcome of bipolar disorder, according to the American Psychological Association. 1
A good treatment outcome is one in which the mood episodes are stabilized and the patient is equipped with the cognitive and behavioral skills necessary to become more aware of triggers and how to manage them more effectively, Dr. Rego says. “In the case of Bipolar 1 Disorder, we may also measure a good outcome by a decrease in hospitalizations as well as a re-engagement in work, better interpersonal relationships, and an overall improvement in the quality of life,” he explains.
“I believe that CBT is helpful,” says Scott Krakower, DO, assistant unit chief, psychiatry, Zucker Hillside Hospital in Glen Oaks, New York, “It’s effective with both adolescents and adults. There is a mindfulness component to this form of therapy that is also useful to patients.”
CBT can help a person with bipolar to recognize the warning signs of a mood change and can help them learn to change unhealthy patterns of behavior, Dr. Krakower explains. If someone you live with has bipolar disorder, maintain a calm environment, particularly when that person is in a manic phase. Keep to regular routines for daily activities -- sleeping, eating, and exercising. Adequate sleep is very important in preventing the onset of episodes. Avoid excessive stimulation. Parties, animated conversations, and long periods of watching television or videos can exacerbate manic symptoms. Alcohol or illicit drug use can cause or worsen mood symptoms and make prescription medicines work less effectively.
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