Question

Discuss 3 distinct classes of medications and a clinical disorder that they are most commonly used as part of pharmacological intervention/treatment.

Answer 1

Three classes of medication used in the treatment of mental disorders:

1. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): These are the medicines that stop the reuptake of the serotonin neurotransmitter in the synaptic cleft (the gap between the terminal button of the releasing presynaptic neuron and the dendritic spines of the postsynaptic neurine). Stopping the serotonin provides an adequate supply of serotonin to the neuron, which induces good feelings. Therefore, SSRIs improve the fluctuated mood, negative affect, or depressive state by providing the excess of serotonin.
2. Antipsychotics: These are drugs that reduce the level of dopamine within the brain. A high level of dopamine induces the psychotic symptoms in the body and thus, an abnormally high level of this neurotransmitter is evident in schizophrenia. Therefore, antipsychotics are given to the patients to reduce the level of dopamine which are used to treat psychotic disorders like schizophrenia.
3. Anxiolytic: These are also called as antianxiety drugs which are used to reduce the symptoms of anxiety by relaxing the brain, body muscle, and body. These drugs enhance the level of feel-good hormones and neurotransmitters within the body which in turn improves mental health. It provides relief from anxiety.

Clinical disorders:

1. Depression: This is the mental disorder that is caused due to a very low level of serotonin and characterized by a lack of hope, loneliness, loss of interest, and avoidance from social contacts. It is treated through SSRIs.
2. Schizophrenia: This is a mental disorder that is caused due to the very high level of dopamine and characterized by hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized speech/behavior. It is treated through antipsychotic drugs.
3. Generalized anxiety disorder: This is a mental disorder and classified as an anxiety disorder that is caused due to any unwanted environmental event and characterized by repeated worry, hyperarousal, and disturbing thoughts. It is treated through anxiolytics.