drug therapy ao1

Question 1

uses of antipsychotic drugs

Answer 1

Antipsychotic drugs are used to reduce the intensity of symptoms (particularly positive symptoms).

Question 2

what are the uses of typical antipsychotics?

Answer 2

• Typical antipsychotic drugs are used to reduce the intensity of positive symptoms, blocking dopamine receptors in the synapses of the brain and thus reducing the action of dopamine.

Question 3

what do typical antipsychotics do to dopamine production?

Answer 3

• arrest dopamine production by blocking the D2 receptors in synapses that absorb dopamine, in the mesolimbic pathway thus reducing positive symptoms, such as auditory hallucinations.

Question 4

what are the implications of using typical antipsychotics?

Answer 4

• typical antipsychotics tend to block all types of dopamine activity = caused side effects that may be harmful

Question 5

what do atypical antipsychotics do?

Answer 5

• attempt to target D2 dopamine activity in the limbic system but not D3 receptors in other parts of the brain

Question 6

what do atypical drugs work on?

Answer 6

• negative symptoms
• improving mood
• cognitive functions
• reducing depression and anxiety

Question 7

what are the effects of atypical antipsychotics?

Answer 7

They also have some effect on other neurotransmitters such as serotonin.
- fewer side effects eg. less effect on movement Eg. Clozapine, Olazapine and Risperidone.