learning Objectives - Describe the Bio – psychosocial therapies and explain the role of the nurse
Hours - 12
Teaching and Learning Activities - Lecture cum discussions Seminar Videos Demonstration Field visitsRehabilitation centre, Day care centres Role plays
Assessment Methods - Short Answers Essay types Return demonstration Quiz Drug study
Content of the chapter
a) Psychopharmacology – Definition,
classification of drugs antipsychotic,
Antidepressant, antimanic, antian xiety
agents, anti parkinsons
b) Psychosocial therapies – individual
therapies, group therapy, behavior therapy,
occupational therapy, family therapy, melieu
therapy
c) Role of nurse in these therapies.
d) Somatic therapy – Electro Convulsive
Therapy, insulin therapy,
e) Role of nurse in these therapies.
Bio–Psycho–Social Therapies
Mental health treatment follows a bio–psycho–social model, addressing biological, psychological, and social factors to provide holistic care.
a) Psychopharmacology
Definition
Psychopharmacology is the study of drugs used in the treatment of mental disorders, focusing on their effects on the brain and behavior.
Classification of Psychotropic Drugs
1. Antipsychotic Drugs
Used to treat schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders.
- Typical: Chlorpromazine, Haloperidol
- Atypical: Risperidone, Olanzapine, Clozapine
Side effects: EPS, sedation, weight gain, tardive dyskinesia
2. Antidepressant Drugs
Used in depressive disorders.
- Tricyclic antidepressants (TCA): Amitriptyline
- SSRIs: Fluoxetine, Sertraline
- SNRIs: Venlafaxine
- MAOIs: Phenelzine
Side effects: Dry mouth, nausea, insomnia, sexual dysfunction
3. Antimanic Drugs (Mood Stabilizers)
Used in bipolar affective disorders.
- Lithium
- Valproate
- Carbamazepine
Side effects: Tremors, weight gain, toxicity (lithium)
4. Antianxiety Agents
Used in anxiety and panic disorders.
- Benzodiazepines: Diazepam, Lorazepam
- Non-benzodiazepines: Buspirone
Side effects: Sedation, dependence, withdrawal symptoms
5. Anti-Parkinsonian Drugs
Used to treat extrapyramidal side effects of antipsychotics.
- Trihexyphenidyl
- Benztropine
b) Psychosocial Therapies
Psychosocial therapies help patients cope, adapt, and improve interpersonal functioning.
1. Individual Therapy
- One-to-one interaction
- Focus on emotional issues and coping skills
2. Group Therapy
- Patients share experiences
- Improves social skills and insight
3. Behavior Therapy
- Uses conditioning principles
- Techniques: Systematic desensitization, token economy
4. Occupational Therapy
- Productive activities
- Enhances self-esteem and vocational skills
5. Family Therapy
- Involves family members
- Improves communication and support
6. Milieu Therapy
- Therapeutic environment
- Structured activities and interactions
c) Role of Nurse in Psychosocial Therapies
- Establish therapeutic relationship
- Provide emotional support
- Encourage participation
- Observe and document behavior
- Educate patient and family
- Act as patient advocate
- Maintain therapeutic environment
d) Somatic Therapies
Somatic therapies involve physical methods of treatment.
1. Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
Indications:
- Severe depression
- Catatonia
- Treatment-resistant psychosis
Procedure:
- Electrical current induces controlled seizure
Side effects:
- Temporary memory loss
- Confusion
- Headache
2. Insulin Therapy
- Induces hypoglycemia
- Previously used in schizophrenia
- Rarely used today due to risk
e) Role of Nurse in Somatic Therapies
Nursing Role in ECT
Pre-ECT:
- Informed consent
- NPO 6–8 hours
- Remove dentures, jewelry
- Pre-medication
During ECT:
- Assist psychiatrist
- Maintain airway
- Monitor vital signs
Post-ECT:
- Reorientation
- Monitor vitals
- Manage side effects
- Document procedure
Nursing Role in Insulin Therapy
- Monitor blood glucose
- Observe for hypoglycemia
- Maintain safety
- Emergency management
Conclusion
Bio–psycho–social therapies provide a comprehensive and holistic approach to mental health care. Nurses play a central role in medication management, psychosocial interventions, and somatic therapies, ensuring safe, effective, and compassionate patient care.