Biological Treatments: Antipsychotics

Question 1

What is used to treat schizophrenia?

Answer 1

Antipsychotics

Question 2

What are the types of antipsychotics?

Answer 2

Typical and atypical

Question 3

How do antipsychotics work?

Answer 3

Dopamine antagonists bind to and block dopamine receptors without stimulating them thus reducing levels of dopamine.

Question 4

What is the main difference between typical antipsychotics and atypical antipsychotics?

Answer 4

Typical antipsychotics block dopamine receptors permanently whereas atypical antipsychotics block dopamine receptors temporarily.

Question 5

What do typical antipsychotics do?

Answer 5

-Focus on reducing dopamine by blocking receptors.
-Drastically reduce positive symptoms of SZ.

Question 6

When were typical antipsychotics introduced?

Answer 6

1950s

Question 7

What are three typical antipsychotics?

Answer 7

Chlorpromazine, fluphenazine and haloperidol

Question 8

What are some of the side effects of typical antipsychotics?

Answer 8

Weight gain, increased heart rate and extrapyramidal side effects e.g tardive dyskinesia

Question 9

What are the benefits of typical antipsychotics?

Answer 9

-Suppress hyperactivity and disorganised thinking.
-Calms patient e.g chlorpromazine is a sedative.

Question 10

When were atypical antipsychotics introduced?

Answer 10

1990s

Question 11

Why were atypical antipsychotics introduced?

Answer 11

To reduce side effects whilst also maintaining effectiveness of typical antipsychotics.

Question 12

What are three atypical antipsychotics?

Answer 12

Olanzapine, risperidone and clozapine.

Question 13

How do atypical antipsychotics work?

Answer 13

-Temporarily block dopamine receptors.
-Regulate serotonin, glutamate and dopamine.

Question 14

What are the benefits of atypical antipsychotics?

Answer 14

-Olanzapine improves motor function + attention span.
-Risperidone helps organise thoughts + depression.
-Clozapine regulates reduces suicidal thoughts + risk of seizures.

Question 15

What is one strength of antipsychotics as a treatment for schizophrenia?

Answer 15

1. Research support
   Thornley et al: compared chlorpromazine to placebo with 1121 pps.
   Associated drug with better functioning and reduced symptom severity.
   Shows that antipsychotics work.
   Therefore, atypical antipsychotics are effective.

Question 16

What are two weaknesses of antipsychotics as a treatment for schizophrenia?

Answer 16

1. Side effects outweigh benefits.
   Research has shown that in order to be effective, 60-70% of dopamine receptors in areas of brain e.g mesolimbic pathways must be blocked. Drugs may affect extrapyradimal areas (motor activity) resulting in tardive dyskinesia which is permanent.
   Shows that due to side effects patients may stop taking medication + their state may be worsened.
   Therefore, antipsychotics may be ineffective as, due to life changing side effects, ppl may choose not to take them.
   CP: atypical antipsychotics temporarily block extrapyramidal areas (less effects)
2. Slight moral dilemma.
   Drugs used to calm patients for staff benefit.
   Patients can’t consent due to psychotic state.
   Shows patient lack control.
   Therefore, drugs dehumanise patients due to their lack of responsibility.