Biological Therapies For Schizophrenia: Drug Therapy

Question 1

What are antipsychotic drugs?

Answer 1

Drugs that treat psychotic illnesses, such as schizophrenia.

Question 2

What are typical antipsychotic drugs?

Answer 2

They are dopamine antagonists - they aim to reduce dopamine and reduce the positive symptoms of schizophrenia (hallucinations/delusions)

Question 3

When were typical antipsychotics introduced?

Answer 3

1950s

Question 4

What is an example of a typical antipsychotic?

Answer 4

Chlorpromazine

Question 5

How do typical antipsychotics work?

Answer 5

They work by blocking D2 receptors in the synapses of the brain that absorb dopamine so that it can’t be absorbed, thus reducing positive symptoms of SZ (hallucinations/delusions)

Question 6

What was the aim of developing Atypical antipsychotics?

Answer 6

To improve upon the effectiveness of drugs in suppressing symptoms and also to minimise extrapyramidal side effects (EPSE) (drug-induced movement disorders).

Question 7

What is an example of an Atypical antipsychotic?

Answer 7

Clozapine

Question 8

How do atypical antipsychotics work?

Answer 8

They work on dopamine receptors as well as serotonin and glutamate receptors. Occupy D2 receptors and by doing so, it dissociates the dopamine. This means receptors receive dopamine in smaller levels.

Question 9

What are 3 major differences between typical and atypical antipsychotics?

Answer 9

1. Atypicals have less risk of tardive dyskinesia
2. Research has indicated that atypicals have a beneficial effect on negative symptoms too
3. Atypicals are more likely to work when typicals have failed

Question 10

What is a limitation of typical antipsychotics? (Side effects)

Answer 10

As well as blocking D2 receptors is the area of the brain associated with SZ, they also block other D2 receptors — can lead to side effects like tardive dyskinesia which can lead to involuntary muscle spasms

Question 11

What is a strength of antipsychotics for treating schizophrenia? (Effectiveness)

Answer 11

Proven to be highly effective in reducing positive symptoms of SZ - since its relatively cheap, lots of people have access — more people with SZ can live relatively normal lives

Question 12

What is a strength of antipsychotics for treating schizophrenia? (Effectiveness)

Answer 12

Proven to be highly effective in reducing positive symptoms of SZ - since its relatively cheap, lots of people have access — more people with SZ can live relatively normal lives