Question

One highly effective biomedical treatment for a psychological disorder that is used mainly to arrest and prevent manic-depressive episodes, is a. Chlorpromazine b. Lithium c. Librium d. Valium

Short answer

The correct answer is Lithium.

Step-by-step solution

Recall Biomedical Treatments

First, recall the specifics of different biomedical treatments used in psychology. In this case, focus on the ones that target manic-depressive episodes. Fundamentally, it's about remembering which medical treatments work on different mental health disorders.

Evaluate Each Option

Now, evaluate each option presented. Recognize that Chlorpromazine is typically used to treat schizophrenia, Librium and Valium are benzodiazepines used for anxiety disorders and acute alcohol withdrawal. Lithium, on the other hand, is a common treatment for bipolar disorder, which includes manic-depressive episodes.

Select Appropriate Treatment

Finally, with the knowledge gathered, select the correct answer. It's found that Lithium is the most appropriate treatment in this context, as it's primarily used for bipolar disorder, including to prevent or mitigate manic and depressive episodes.

Key concepts

Manic-Depressive Episodes

Manic-depressive episodes refer to a mental state characterized by extreme mood swings. These swings can range from incredible highs, known as mania, to devastating lows, known as depression. Manic phases often include intense energy, a reduced need for sleep, and even risky behaviors.
Depression phases, on the other hand, are marked by feelings of sadness, helplessness, or hopelessness.

Understanding these episodes is crucial for diagnosis and treatment. Tackling these episodes with effective treatment can significantly improve a person's quality of life.

Key points to grasp about manic-depressive episodes include:

• They are not just everyday mood swings but severe shifts in mood.
• Episodes can last for days, weeks, or even months.
• The rollercoaster of emotions affects personal relationships and daily functioning.

Recognizing these patterns can lead to early intervention and more effective management of the condition.

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes significant mood changes, affecting a person's ability to carry out daily tasks. It includes both manic and depressive episodes, creating a cycle of emotional highs and lows.

The disorder commonly emerges in late adolescence or early adulthood, though it can also originate later in life. It's crucial to distinguish bipolar disorder from regular mood variations due to its severity and impact on life.

Key characteristics of bipolar disorder include:

• Periods of mania where the individual feels unusually elated or irritable.
• Episodes of depression with extreme sadness, lack of energy, and loss of interest in activities.
• Mixed episodes where symptoms of both mania and depression occur simultaneously.

Effective management is possible with proper treatment, enabling individuals to lead fulfilling lives.

Lithium Therapy

Lithium therapy is a well-established treatment for stabilizing mood in individuals with bipolar disorder. It is particularly effective in managing both manic and depressive episodes, reducing their frequency and severity.

While the exact mechanism of how lithium works remains somewhat unclear, it's known to influence neurotransmitter activity in the brain, helping regulate mood swings.

When considering lithium therapy, it's essential to understand:

• Regular monitoring of lithium levels in the blood is necessary to avoid toxicity.
• Lithium can take several weeks to show its full therapeutic effects.
• Side effects may occur, but they are often manageable under medical supervision.

Overall, lithium is a cornerstone in the treatment of bipolar disorder and has significantly improved outcomes for many who live with the condition.