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Psychosocial Approaches (psychosocial + approach)
Selected AbstractsTherapeutics for alcoholism: what's the future?DRUG AND ALCOHOL REVIEW, Issue 1 2007ANDREW J. LAWRENCE Abstract As with other addictions, human alcoholism is characterised as a chronically relapsing condition. Consequently, the therapeutic goal is the development of clinically effective, safe drugs that promote high adherence rates and prevent relapse. These products can then be used in conjunction with psychosocial approaches. In this review, preclinical studies are highlighted that indicate the mechanism of action of currently used anti-craving medications or demonstrate the potential of novel pharmacological agents for the treatment of alcohol use disorders. While current pharmacological strategies are far from ideal, there are a number of candidate molecules that may ultimately be developed into therapeutic agents. In addition, prescribing clinicians should also consider strategies such as combinations of various drugs to aid in the regulation of aberrant alcohol consumption. [source] Pharmacologic Treatments for Heroin and Cocaine DependenceTHE AMERICAN JOURNAL ON ADDICTIONS, Issue 2003Herbert D. Kleber M.D. Given the difficulty of achieving sustained recovery, pharmacotherapy of opioid and cocaine addiction is more effective when combined with behavioral and psychosocial approaches. Effective pharmacotherapies for opioid dependence and withdrawal include methadone, L-alpha acetylmethadol (LAAM), naltrexone, buprenorphine, and clonidine. Treatment of cocaine addiction includes anti-craving agents, dopamine agonists or blocking agents, antidepressants, and treatment of co-morbid psychiatric disorders, but all with mixed results. In this paper, we discuss the use of medication in the context of general principles of opioid and cocaine addiction treatment. Both established medications and promising directions in pharmacotherapy will be addressed. [source] Psychotherapy for bipolar depression: a phase-specific treatment strategy?BIPOLAR DISORDERS, Issue 1 2001Holly A Swartz Objectives: The depressive phase of bipolar disorder is particularly difficult to treat. Pharmacologic strategies for bipolar depression are often inadequate. We therefore review the literature on the role of psychotherapy as an adjunct to medication in the treatment of bipolar depression. Methods: With one exception, there are no descriptions of psychotherapies employed specifically for the treatment of bipolar depression. We therefore reviewed published reports of psychotherapy for bipolar disorder in general and extracted from these reports relevant data or impressions about the specific effects of the therapies on the depressive phase of the disorder. Results: Described psychosocial approaches to bipolar disorder include psychoeducation, group therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, and interpersonal psychotherapy. Only cognitive-behavioral therapy has been tested in a pilot study for the treatment of bipolar depression specifically. Results from randomized controlled trials of family therapy and interpersonal and social rhythm therapy suggest that these treatments may be more efficacious in the treatment and prevention of depression relative to mania. Conclusions: A limited number of well-designed studies and preponderance of case reports limit definitive conclusions about the role of psychotherapy in the treatment of bipolar depression. However, converging reports suggest that cognitive-behavioral therapy, family therapy, and interpersonal and social rhythm therapy may be particularly useful for bipolar depression. We propose a novel approach to the treatment of bipolar disorder that includes the use of phase-specific sequenced psychotherapies delivered in variable patterns and linked to fluctuating mood states. [source] Psychopharmacology of substance misuse and comorbid psychiatric disordersACTA NEUROPSYCHIATRICA, Issue 1 2004M. T. Abou-Saleh The common occurrence of comorbid substance misuse and other psychiatric disorders has challenged the diagnostic and therapeutic skills of professionals concerned with the care of patients with these dual disorders. Combined pharmacological and psychological treatment approaches have evolved empirically drawing upon standard treatments with emphasis on psychosocial approaches to substance misuse for psychotic disorders and pharmacological approaches for mood disorders. Advances in the biology of both disorders have started to inform their psychopharmacology. The specific role of atypical antipscychotics is highlighted. Further studies of the biology of comorbidity will impact the use of effective pharmaceuticals such as clozapine with dual effects on schizophrenia and substance misuse. [source] | ||||||||||