Biological Treatment For Schicophrenia: Drug Therapy Flashcards
Drug therapy
Based upon the claim that an excess of dopamine causes schizophrenia, and therefore antipsychotic drugs aim to alter the balance of dopamine in the brain.
antipsychotic drugs
Work by reducing the levels of dopamine in the brain , by blocking (mostly D2) dopamine receptors, preventing dopamine from binding to the receptors, acting as antagonists they are most commonly administered by tablets, but can be via injections .
Typical drugs
Well established,older drugs, that result in unpleasant side effects, such as haloperidol
Atypical drugs
Newer, more experimental drugs, found to have less side effects but similar effectiveness, e.g. clozapine
Strength
Requiring minimal effort I time of the patient.
Meltzer et at
Found that 481 patients with schizophrenia were given either 1 of yotypical antipsychotics, a typical antipsychotic on a placebo pill. After six weeks, typical antipsychotic and 2 of the 4 atypical drugs reduced symptoms. This suggests a high level of effectiveness for antipsychotic drugs. However, antipsychotic drugs can cause several unpleasant side-effects, such as weight gain, low blood pressure, sleepiness etc. Such side effects can lead to individuals stopping their course of drugs early.
Gup et al
Many individuals with schizophrenia discontinue their course of drugs early, due to a number of reasons such as unpleasant side effects, failure to demonstrate an immediate benefit to reducing symptoms or
Paranoia and delusions surrounding taking antipsychotic drugs
Under section 3 of mental health act
Drugs can be administered against the patient’s will, which can be argued tobe unethical.
However →
It has to be argued whether on individual experiencing hallucinations and delusions can make an informed decision about their own treatment
Likewise →
It the individual is at harm to themselves or others,forcefully administering drugs can be argued to be the most ethical decision.
