Biological treatments of SZ: antipsychotics Flashcards
Benefits of using drug treatments
Effects aren’t permanent
There is no surgery so less danger of surgery going wrong
It is more ethical and less dehumanising
Easier to take or administer
Patient has more motivation than having dehumanising or invasive surgery
What are anti-psychotics
Common treatment, they are taken as tablets or syrup
If at risk of failing to take their medication, antipsychotics can be given in injections every 2/4 weeks
They can be used either short or long term depending on the severity of illness
They don’t cure SZ only help the symptoms so people can function
What are typical antipsychotics
Traditional drugs, first generation
What is chlorpromazine
Typical antpsychotic
Chlorpromazine is an effective sedative and is used to calm people, usually used when patients are first admitted to hospitals and are anxious
Side effect of chlorpromazine
Long term use can result in tardive dyskinesia which is caused by dopamine sensitivity and is involuntary facial movements like lip smacking and blinking
Most serious side effect is neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) which is caused as the drug blocks dopamine action in the hypothalamus and results in high temperature and coma
What are atypical antipsychotics
Newer and second generation, have been used since 1970
What is clozapine
Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic and was first developed in 1960s and was temporarily withdrawn as some users died due to a blood conditions
In 1980s it was discovered to be more effective than typical antipsychotics and was remarketed as a treatment for SZ.
How does clozapine work
It binds to dopamine receptors and acts on serotonin and glutamate receptors, they help improve mood and reduce depression.
Prescribed when someone is at high risk of suicide
Side effects of clozapine
Weight gain, sweating, blood clots, diabetes
What is risperidone
Atypical antipsychotic
Developed more recently in 1990s, as effective as clozapine without the side effects
How does risperidone work
It binds to dopamine and serotonin receptors but more strongly to dopamine receptors meaning only small dosages are needed
AO3 - exaggerated evidence
Healy et al suggests data from successful trials has been published multiple times, exaggerating the positive effects and only reviewing short term effects. Weakness of the use of antipsychotics to treat SZ as it overestimates the effectiveness of antipsychotics.
AO3 - Research support for typical antipsychotics
Typical antipsychotics are effective when tackling symptoms of SZ
Thorny et al reviewed data from 13 trials and found chlorpromazine is associated with better functioning and reduced severity of symptoms
Suggests antipsychotics are beneficial as they are effective in the treatment of SZ
AO3 - Human rights abuse
They have been used in hospital situations to calm people and make them easier to work with
NICE recommends short term use of antipsychotics are acceptable to calm agitated people
However this is seen as human rights abuse
