biological therapies for SZ Flashcards
(12 cards)
Drug therapies
Most common form of treatment
Taken as tablets, syrup or depot injections
Some patients take short course and stop without symptoms returning
Others require them for longer or possibly for life to avoid possible relapse
Typical anti psychotics eg. Chlorpromazine
Developed in 1950s
Max dose up to 1000mg. Avg does 400-800 mg
Individuals start w smaller dose and increase this if it’s not reducing symptoms
Used in hospitals to calm patients
Anti psychotics have sedative effects
Used less due to side effects (+dosage)
How typical anti psychotics work
Work on dopamine system - these antagonists work on reducing dopamine
Work by blocking dopamine receptors in synapse.
Also reduces production of dopamine in long term. Reduces symptoms of SZ
Works best for positive symptoms
Side effects of typical drugs eg. Chlorpromazine
Fatal side effects reported eg neuroleptic malignant syndrome- disrupts regulation of some bodily functions. Causes high temp, delirium + coma
Also caused tardive dyskinesia- involuntary facial movements
Atypical drugs eg clozapine
Developed + trailed in 1970s but issues soon arose after reports of death due to agranulocytosis
In 1980s became most effective form of treatment + still used today
People now have regular blood tests to monitor potential side effects
Lower dosage than typical anti psychotics usually 200-450mg
Used for people deemed treatment resistant
How do atypical drugs work
Works by binding to dopamine receptors in synapse in the same way chlorpromazine does
Also acts on serotonin and glutamate receptors
Believed to improve mood + reduce depression (co morbid)
Will often be prescribed when patient is at increased risk of sucicide. Between 30-50% of people with SZ attempt suicide at least once
Atypical antipsychotics eg risperidone
Most recently developed antipsychotic in 1990s
Was developed to find drug that was as effective as clozapine but fewer side effects
Start by taking smaller doses which may build up over time
Daily dose between 4-8mg with a max of 12mg
How does risperidone work
Works in same way as clozapine, binds to receptors of dopamine + serotonin however, risperidone does this more strongly
So smaller dose is required
Also some evidence that this is also the reason for fewer side effects
Strength of bio treatments
Supportive studies
E: Meltzer performed a meta analysis showing that clozapine is effective in 30-50% of treatment resistant cases where typical anti psychotics have failed.
C: tells us atypical anti psychotics are more effective than typical and that these atypical ones are more commonly used today. Strength if these antipsychotics are effective in reducing symptoms for an individual as it means they continue with their lives normally eg. Attend work. Also, side effects less extreme in atypical antipsychotics leading to an overall improved QOL. It’s reliable as it’s a meta analysis
Strength of bio treatments
Preferred method of treatment
E: drug therapies are preferred over methods eg CBT as it costs less for NHS to provide drug treatment compared to paying therapists to hold sessions with patients. Secondly, drug therapy requires minimal effort from patient and takes less time than hourly sessions with therapist. Drug therapy also helps to reduce severe symptoms of SZ more immediately than CBT
C: improves QOL for those suffering with SZ as they can attend work and be financially stable so benefits economy as money can go into economy
Limitation of bio treatments Supportive
Side effects
E: side effects can include weight gain, drowsiness, tremors, greater risk of diabetes/heart problems. So, patients may stop taking their medication
C: so individuals with SZ aren’t able to go through treatments which means their condition may worsen. Leads to an increase in risk of hospitalisation (relapse)
Limitation of bio treatments
Concerns regarding effectiveness of anti psychotic medication
E: Research done into effectiveness of anti psychotics is sponsored by drug companies who make huge amounts of money by selling the drugs. It’s likely that they’re manipulating data to oversell the effectiveness of their drug in order to make lots of money
C: if drugs are ineffective for individuals, then it won’t help to improve their symptoms and could even worsen them. Also means that they won’t try to access other forms of treatment that could actually improve their condition
