Biological Therapy and Psychotropic Medications

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Biological Therapy and Psychotropic Medications

• A Biological Approach to
• Psychiatric Illness
• Mary Vercoutere, RN, MSN

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The Biology of Psychiatric Illness,The Brain and
the Mind

• We have 100 billion neurons in our brain.
• Closest genetic relative is the chimpanzee
• with 98.7 similar genetic code.
• Origin of illness is disruption in the brain
• Please read pg. 117 on Dysregulation.
• These physiological changes cause what we see as
  behavioral and mental disturbances.

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Nature VS Nurture

• Genetic code
• Mother and Fathers genetic heritage.
• Twins
• Environmental influence
• Mothers Health
• Mothers feelings (due to hormones) about the
  pregnancy.
• Supportive environment or having to deal with
  violence.
• In-utero environment as an influence.

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The Holistic Approach

• Whether illness is related to genetics,neurologica
  l factors(changes),drugs, infection, or life
  experience, the resulting changes occur in
• Memory
• Mood
• Thought
• Sleep cycles,language, basic drives, fluid
  electrolyte balance, others.
• The whole person needs to regain a balanced
  state.

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Brain Development

• Brain mapping from the fetus to the aging brain.
• Brain Development
• Neuronal communication effects growth, shape,
  activity of presynaptic cells in utero.
• Gender differences.

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The Integrated Brain

• Communication
• Neuroplasticity
• Important areas
• The Hippocampus
• The Amygdala
• The Limbic System
• The NucleusAccumbens

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Primal Areas of the Brain

• Amygdala-Connections to many parts of the brain,
  gives a subjective recall. Female dominant.
• Hippocampus-Recalls factual aspects of memory.
  Slightly larger in males.
• Highly Connected with genetic Differences
• Limbic System
• Emotional content of all life experiences
• Nucleus Accumbens-reward center.

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Neurophysiology

• Blood-Brain Barrier
• Neurotransmission
• Hormonal influence
• Neurotransmitters
• Receptor sites
• Agonists
• Antagonists

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Neurotransmitters

• Neurons conduct electrical impulses from one end
  of the cell to the other.
• Presynaptic neurotransmitter release
• Axon, Dendrite, Synapse
• Postsynaptic neuron receptors
• Transmission and reception of electrical activity
  influences neuronal response target of
  psychotropic medications.

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Neurotransmitters and Mental Process

• Neurotransmitters plays a key role in moving
  information through the brain.
• Neuron-the nerve cell
• Synapse-The tiny space between nerve endings of
  neuron on one side and dendrite on the other
• Neurotransmitter-chemical released by the neuron
  that crosses the synaptic space and has an effect
  on the dendrite.

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Major Neurotransmitters

• Dopamine (DA)
• Norepinephrine and epinephrine
• Serotonin (5HT)
• Acetylcholine, GABA, others.
• An abnormal neurotransmitter activity,
• too much or not enough can cause a mental
  disorder.

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Neurotransmitters

• Destruction Reuptake
• Neuropeptides long term effects created when
  these large molecules combine with
  neurotransmitters.
• These effects start during fetal development.
• Inhibition/Stimulation

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Functions of the Brain

• Our perception of the world around us is what
  our mind has to work from.
• Why Zebras Dont Have Ulcers The
• Stress theory, by Hans Selye

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The Unconscious and the Conscious

• Our brain knows what we are going to do before we
  do.
• Executive Functions
• Memory
• Cognition
• Emotions
• Motivation

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Psychoneuroimmunology

• The Environment and its influences on our
  systems.
• How we see ourselves as effected by those around
  us.

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Brain Imaging

• Usefulness in psychiatry
• Schizophrenia
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
• Alzheimers Disease

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Alternative Therapies

• Yoga, guided imagery,mindfulness, meditation
• Chinese Therapies acupuncture, acupressure, Tai
  Chi
• Herbal remedies
• Support groups, CBT
• Dietary changes
• Holistic life-style changes

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Combined Therapy

• Pharmacological
• Psychotropic Medications
• Psychotherapy
• Life-Style

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Current Research

• Normal Aging.
• The memory centers, Hippocampus and Amygdala
  dont lose neurons as the myth states. We lose
  connection sites.
• New functions are discovered about neurons we all
  have in abundance.
• Conclusions.
• Questions.

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????????????Question???????????

• Common and potentially hazardous side effects of
  the conventional Antipsychotics is
• a. a blockage of dopamine.
• b. Arrhythmias and a cardiac event.
• c. a narrow therapeutic range with frequent
  toxicity.
• d. Extrapyramidal symptoms and tardive
  dyskinesia.