Biological treatments of Schizophrenia

Question 1

what drug therapy is used?

Answer 1

typical and atypical antipsychotics

Question 2

how to typical antipsychotics work?

Answer 2

• block D2 receptors to reduce dopamine levels in the brain (dopamine antagonists)
• reduce severity of positive symptoms

Question 3

name a typical antipsychotics drug?

Answer 3

chlorpromazine

Question 4

sides effects of typical antipsychotics

Answer 4

mild side effects
- sedative effects, confusion & lethargy
- dry mouth & constipation
severe side effects
- tardive dyskinesia: uncontrollable facial muscle movements

Question 5

how do atypical antipsychotics work?

Answer 5

• block D2 receptors ( temporarily to reduce side effects)
• act on other neurotransmitters e.g. glutamine and serotonin to help anxiety and depression associated with SZ
• reduce positive and negative symptoms

Question 6

Name atypical antipsychotic drugs

Answer 6

clozapine and risperidone

Question 7

What are the side effects of atypical antipsychotics

Answer 7

• weight gain
• CV problem
• (less likely) involuntary movement

Question 8

risperidone

Answer 8

• reduces side effects associated with other drugs
• more effective at binding to D2 receptors so less doses

Question 9

strengths of biological treatments

Answer 9

SUPPORT FOR EFFECTIVENESS
- leucht 2013. reduces symptoms better than a placebo, supports dopamine hypothesis
CHEAPER THAN HOSPITALS + CBT
- reduces cost for NHS, more people can access drugs and reduce hospitalisation

Question 10

limitations of biological treatments

Answer 10

SIGNIFICANT SIDE EFFECTS
- reduce motivation to take drugs causing relapse and ↑ severity of symptoms, ↓ quality of life
ONLY SUPPRESS SYMPTOMS
- masks symptoms, may become reliant on drugs, CBT better long term