Biological treatments of schizophrenia Flashcards
(26 cards)
What are antipsychotics primarily used for?
To treat schizophrenia and occasionally used duplicity with therapy.
When were antipsychotics introduced?
Around the 1950s.
What is the general function of antipsychotics?
To lower dopamine activity.
What hypothesis supports the use of antipsychotics for schizophrenia?
The dopamine hypothesis.
What are typical antipsychotics described as?
Antagonists.
Give an example of a typical antipsychotic.
Chlorpromazine.
How do typical antipsychotics work?
By binding to dopamine receptor sites, particularly D2, blocking dopamine transmission.
What symptoms do typical antipsychotics aim to eliminate?
Positive symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions.
What are atypical antipsychotics predominantly used for?
In cases where typical antipsychotics have failed.
Give an example of an atypical antipsychotic.
Clozapine.
How do atypical antipsychotics differ from typical ones?
They also bind to some serotonin receptor sites.
What is the research aim of Bagnall et al (2003)?
To compare the clinical effectiveness between typical and atypical antipsychotics.
What was one significant finding regarding typical drugs from Bagnall et al (2003)?
They only treat positive symptoms.
What was a key finding regarding atypical drugs from Bagnall et al (2003)?
More effective at reducing both positive and negative symptoms.
What are the side effects associated with typical antipsychotics?
Similar levels of nausea as atypical drugs.
What are the side effects associated with atypical antipsychotics?
Fewer movement disorders, increased salivation, temperature, nasal congestion, and weight gain.
What did Thornley et al (2003) find in their review of chlorpromazine?
Better overall functioning and reduced symptom severity.
What was the relapse rate finding from Thornley et al (2003) when chlorpromazine was taken?
Lower relapse rate.
What did Davis et al (1989) find regarding the effectiveness of antipsychotics?
Antipsychotics were 70% more effective than placebos after six weeks.
What is a limitation of antipsychotic treatments regarding side effects?
30% of people may develop tardive dyskinesia.
What is tardive dyskinesia?
Uncontrollable movements of the lips, tongue, face, hands, and feet.
What argument is made about the nature of antipsychotics in treating schizophrenia?
They may be palliative and only treat symptoms, not the cause.
What is a concern regarding the treatment of negative symptoms with typical drugs?
They do not treat negative symptoms.
What impact can taking antipsychotic drugs have on patients’ perceptions?
It may reinforce the idea that they have a disorder.
