4. Drug therapy

Question 1

name the two antipsychotics

Answer 1

typical and atypical

Question 2

give two examples of typical antipsychotics

Answer 2

chlorpromazine and haloperidol

Question 3

what are typical antipsychotics

Answer 3

drugs used to reduce the intensity of positive symptoms

Question 4

how do typical antipsychotics work

Answer 4

they block dopamine receptors in the synapses of the brain, which reduces the affect of dopamine, as they block D2 receptors in the mesolimbic pathway reducing positive symptoms

Question 5

what is the downside of typical antipsychotics

Answer 5

that it will block all dopamine receptors which can be harmful and cause serious side effects

Question 6

how do atypical antipsychotics work

Answer 6

newer drugs which attempt to target D2 dopamine receptors without affecting D3 receptors, they bind to dopamine and glutamate receptors

Question 7

name two examples of atypical antipsychotics

Answer 7

Clozapine and Risperidone

Question 8

what are atypical antipsychotics

Answer 8

drugs that work on negative symptoms which improves mood and cognitive functions

Question 9

what other neurotransmitter may be affected by atypical antipsychotics

Answer 9

serotonin

Question 10

what are the limitations of anti-psychotics

Answer 10

• there are serious side effects which may cause depression, which is why it is necessary in some cases to take anti depressants
• clozapine targets other receptors which makes it more effective but with the risk of having more serious side effects
• the side effects can be long term and mean that the person has involuntary facial movements which may affect them in their daily lives

Question 11

what are the positives of anti-psychotics

Answer 11

• Thornely et al discovered that antipsychotics through a meta analysis such as clozapine led to better functioning which suggests that they were an effective treatment
• they can lead to a higher quality of life as they provide independence as the patient can take them on their own