Final answer:
A person with bipolar disorder taking medication that regulates neurotransmitter function is an example of a biological approach, using psychotropic drugs to balance neurotransmitter levels, including agonists, antagonists, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors to treat specific symptoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
A person diagnosed with bipolar disorder being placed on medication to help regulate neurotransmitter function exemplifies a biological approach to treating psychological disorders. These medications, often known as psychotropic drugs, aim to restore the balance of neurotransmitters within the brain, which can be associated with the symptoms of bipolar disorder. Psychotropic medications act to correct imbalances by acting as either agonists, which mimic the effect of neurotransmitters, or antagonists, which block the receptors, therefore influencing neurotransmitter activity. In the case of bipolar disorder, mood stabilizers like lithium and antipsychotics like clozapine or risperidone might be used to regulate mood swings and help with symptoms of mania or depression.
Additionally, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Prozac, Paxil, and Zoloft are prescribed to increase the level of serotonin in the synaptic cleft by preventing its reuptake into the presynaptic neuron, thereby strengthening its effects. This is crucial because depression, which is a common feature of bipolar disorder, has been linked with reduced levels of serotonin. These treatments aim to achieve a more balanced neurotransmitter function and alleviate the symptoms associated with the disorder.