Assignment 12: Biomedical Interventions     Due 5/4/01

Answer each of the following questions in a short paragraph (no more than 50-75 words each).  Answers must be in your own words; you may not quote from the readings or take 5 or more words verbatim from the readings, or use the work of another student.

1. Drugs like Prozac are usually referred to as "antidepressants;" explain what this means, and then also explain what else anti-depressants can be used for.

2. Despite all the enthusiasm among many mental health professionals, there is a "down side" to the antidepressants; explain two factors that contribute to this down side.

3. In the judgment of most mental health professionals today, anti-anxiety drugs have only limited benefit and must be used carefully; summarize the benefit and the potential risks.

4. Anti-psychotic medications appear to be helpful even though they do not represent a total cure for psychotic disorders; describe the specific therapeutic benefits that can be expected from the use of anti-psychotic medications.

5. Briefly summarize one argument in favor of using Ritalin to treat ADHD, and one argument against its use. (see Lilienfeld Chapter 15)

The following questions are only for discussion in class.  You should be prepared to offer your thoughts if called on.

6. Explain and give an example to show why a review of the history of biomedical interventions in the 20th century suggests that the biomedical approach must be viewed with caution.

7. Imagine that you read about a new drug that has been shown in several rigorously conducted scientific experiments to be effective in treating a particular mental disorder; give two reasons why you should still be skeptical.

8. From your understanding of studies like the Treatment of Depression Collaborative Research program, what would you say to someone who believes that all professional intervention for people struggling with depression is a waste of time?

9. Non-compliance with anti-psychotic drugs is a serious problem; explain why this non-compliance occurs so frequently.

10. ECT is probably the most controversial of all the biomedical interventions; what is supposed to be its benefit, and what is at least one argument against its use? (see Lilienfeld Chapter 16)

Copyright ©1998 Beverly J. Volicer and Steven F. Tello, UMass Lowell.  You may freely edit these pages  for use in a non-profit, educational setting.  Please include this copyright notice on all pages.