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In your studies of clinical psychology, you will have learned about a key question of relevance to today's society - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 4 - 2022 - Paper 2
Question 4
In your studies of clinical psychology, you will have learned about a key question of relevance to today's society. Discuss the key question for society you have st... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:In your studies of clinical psychology, you will have learned about a key question of relevance to today's society - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 4 - 2022 - Paper 2
Step 1
Discuss the key question: Is the use of drugs an effective treatment for mental disorders?
Answer
A significant number of mental disorders are treated using medication, while patients may also be awaiting psychotherapy. For instance, in 2018, the National Health Service (NHS) in England prescribed over 70.9 million items aimed at treating mental health disorders, including conditions like depression.
The overall expenses incurred for prescriptions can be substantial; for example, the NHS's expenditure on antidepressants from April to October 2018 amounted to £672.5 million. This indicates that medications not only serve as a treatment option but can also play a role in keeping individuals productive in their work lives, allowing for tax contributions without the need for additional benefits.
Understanding the mechanisms through which drug treatments operate is essential. Medications work primarily by altering the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain to alleviate the symptoms associated with mental disorders. For instance, certain drugs can decrease neurotransmitter levels, such as dopamine, by using antipsychotics that inhibit its activity. Conversely, antidepressant medications are known to raise serotonin levels by reuptaking this neurotransmitter, thereby improving mood in individuals. These pharmacological interventions can, therefore, yield significant benefits for those suffering from various mental disorders.