MDD is a serious medical illness that negatively affects one feels, thinks and acts.
Biomedical
Biomedical treatment is using medication to alter physiological state. They engage the use of SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors)and anti-depressants e.g. Prozac, which work by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain.
Drugs are widely used to treat depression because we are aware of some of the neurochemical activity associated with the disorder.
The serotonin hypothesis suggests that there is an inadequate amount of serotonin available in the synaptic gap between neurons for effective transmission to occur. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter linked to mood regulation and low levels are thought to cause low moods and depression.
During neurotransmission, if serotonin is not successfully absorbed into post-synaptic neuron, it is taken back by the pre-synaptic neuron reducing its effect, SSRIs prevent this, so the serotonin gets the chance to continue its passage and ensure positive moods.
Other examples of biomedical treatments include electroconvulsive therapy (using electric current to induce seizures) and psychosurgery (small piece of brain is destroyed or removed)
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is a shock treatment that is typically use to induce seizures to provide relief from psychiatric illnesses. It is highly controversial and it's use is in decline.
Strengths:
easy, rapid benefits, cheaper than talking therapy
Weaknesses:
side effects, addictive (type of iatrogenesis), temporary benefits (doesn’t tackle the cause of the MDD), worry that overprescribing happens to make money for pharmaceutical companies
Supporting studies: Neale et al. (2011) Elkin et al. (1989) Bernstein et al. Cujipers et al. Kirsch & Sapirstein (1998)
Humans are social animals and have the need to belong
Generally less expensive than individual therapy
P’s don’t feel stigmatised, other to relate to
Less pressure because it isn’t 1:1
Less reliance on the therapist
However, discomfort with sharing personal things with a group
Doesn’t focus on the individual
Slow process
Can be a negative effect from others not managing well
Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
MBCT is based on Kabat-Zinn’s mindfulness-based stress reduction program and was developed by Segal, Williams and Teasdale (2001).
The aim of this psychosocial group-based therapy is to prevent people becoming depressed again (relapsing) after successful treatment for major depression. Based on Buddhist meditation and relaxation techniques.
Used to treat depression, aims to reduce negative and intrusive thoughts
Teaches to learn the signs of depression and aids in the prevention of relapse
Used to help people focus on observing intrusive thoughts and thus be able to prevent the escalation of negative thoughts.
Strengths:
cheaper, time efficient, encourages patients to develop relationships and communication skills which may have suffered due to condition, patients may open up as others offer them support
Weaknesses:
difficult to manage, conformity, people may not get to talk enough, confidentiality issues