5.1.3 Sz- Bio treat (Drug therapy)

Question 1

Why would drug therapy be suggested as a biological treatment for schizophrenia?

Answer 1

If it is assumed that psychological disorders occur biologically, then treatment should also originate biologically.

Question 2

What type of drugs are used to treat schizophrenia?

Answer 2

Antipsychotics

Question 3

What type of antipsychotics are used for patients with schizophrenia?

Answer 3

Dopamine (D2) antagonists

Question 4

How can antipsychotics be taken?

Answer 4

Injection
Tablet
Syrup

Question 5

Briefly describe how antipsychotics help reduce symptoms of a schizophrenic patient.

Answer 5

They work by binding to the D2 receptors to sedate the patient to reduce the intensity and frequency of their symptoms to allow for functioning in their life.

Question 6

Why does binding to the D2 receptors help?

Answer 6

Due to excess dopamine being correlated with schizophrenia, they reduce the amount of activity in parts of the brain that rely on dopamine to eliminate positive symptoms such as hallucinations.

Question 7

Give an example of a first generation antipsychotic (FGA)

Answer 7

chlorpromazine

Question 8

How does a first generation drug work to reduce symptoms of schizophrenia.

Answer 8

They block dopamine receptors to prevent over-activity which improves disturbed thoughts and behaviours through a calming effect.

Question 9

Give an example of a second generation antipsychotic.

Answer 9

Clopazine

Question 10

How does a second generation drug work to reduce symptoms of schizophrenia.

Answer 10

They work on multiple neurotransmitters such as the serotonin and dopamine receptors by temporarily binding with them and disappearing to allow normal activity to combat positive and negative symptoms with little side effects.

Question 11

What problem may multiple people with schizophrenia face with drug therapy?

Answer 11

They can only be placed on one antipsychotic at a time either short-term or for the rest of their lives and different people respond to drugs differently, leaving some not responding to any at all.

Question 12

Using the acronym ‘DESSERT’, evaluate a ‘different treatment’ point.

Answer 12

P - Assertive Community Therapy can be used as an alternative treatment
E - It focuses on the patient learning social skills to improve their functioning in life
E - Therefore it helps the patient in the long-term for rehabilitation into society instead of only treating their symptoms

Question 13

Using the acronym ‘DESSERT’, evaluate an ‘expense’ point.

Answer 13

P - Expensive
E - Whilst patients may be able to obtain them from the NHS some in other countries will not have that privilege and some prescriptions last a life time
E - Therefore it will be expensive for the majority

Question 14

Using the acronym ‘DESSERT’, evaluate 2 ‘supporting studies’ points.

Answer 14

P - Meltzer et al (2004) supports
E - Found in a double blind study that an antipsychotic showed significant improvements in all aspects of functioning compared to control
E - Therefore showing the effectiveness of drugs at reducing symptoms and allowing patients to function in their life
P - Schooler et al (2005) supports
E - He found a 75% reduction in symptoms when taking antipsychotics
E - Therefor1 showing the effectiveness at reducing symptoms for patients

Question 15

DESSERT- Side Effects

Answer 15

P - Hill (1986) found more severe side effects eg tardive dyskinesia (involuntary movement of lips + tongue) resulted from taking FGAs, found it’s irreversible in 75% of cases
E - These include low blood pressure and muscle spasms
E - This may therefore deter patients from taking the medication which would make their Sz symptoms worsen

Question 16

DESSERT- Ethics

Answer 16

P-
E
E

Question 17

DESSERT- Reason/ mask

Question 18

DESSERT- Time commitments