Biological Treatments

Question 1

Outline typical antipsychotics.
Name an example.
Outline dopamine antagonist, and sedation effect.

Answer 1

These are traditional drugs that reduce the symptoms of psychosis eg hallucinations.

CHLORPROMAZINE.

Antagonists = reduce the action of dopamine (based on the dopamine hypothesis)

It blocks dopamine receptors at the postsynaptic neuron.

It also has a sedative effect that can calm anxiety.

Question 2

Outline atypical antipsychotics.

Describe clozapine and risperidone.

Answer 2

These are newer drugs

Clozapine - has a potentially fatal side effect of AGRANULOCYTOSIS

It binds to dopamine receptors but also seratonin and glutamate - improving mood, reducing depression and anxiety as well as cognitive functioning. This is why it is prescribed to suicidal patients

Risperidone - It binds more strongly to dopamine (and also seratonin) and is therefore more effective

Question 3

Evaluate antipsychotics, referring to Thornley et al (typical) and Meltzer et al (atypical)

Answer 3

Thornley: In a study of over a thousand participants they found that compared to a placebo, patients with chlorpromazine had lower symptom severity and overall better functioning

Meltzer: Clozapine is better than anti psychotics and is effective in 30-50% of treatment resistant cases

However while the drugs have calming effects this doesnt mean they actually tackle psychosis.

Question 4

Evaluate antipsychotics, referring to side effects.

Answer 4

Both typical and atypical APs have side effects.

Typical : dizziness, weight gain, stiff jaw
Long-term use can lead to tardive dyskinesia which is caused by dopamine supersensitivity, this causes involuntary movement

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is caused when dopamine is blocked in the hypothalamus, which can be fatal

This means the APs can cause harm as well and may dissuade people from taking them