Antipsychotics

Question 1

What are anti psychotics and what two types do we have?

Answer 1

• They are a biological treatment for schizophrenia and are used to decrease the intensity of schizophrenic symptoms, they can be taken in tablet or syrup or injected (for patients who may not take their medication)
• Typical and Atypical antipsychotic drugs

Question 2

Describe typical antipsychotics?

Answer 2

• they were developed in the 1950’s
• they suppress schizophrenic symptoms by blocking dopamine from binding onto D2 receptor sites which decreases levels of dopamine.
• Side effects include increased heart rate, tremors, blurred vision and weight gain.
• most effective on positive symptoms (hallucinations and delusions)

Question 3

Describe atypical antipsychotic drugs

Answer 3

• introduced in the 1990’s
• they regulate dopamine and serotonin levels by increasing or decreasing the levels
• side effects include elevated triglycerides, risk of fatal seizure, decreased ability to absorb insulin.
• they have fewer side effects than typical antipsychotics, relieve more symptoms as well and not just positive ones, it improves memory and increases attention span.

Question 4

Give me examples of typical and atypical antipsychotics

Answer 4

Typical:

1. Chlorpromazine
2. Haloperidol

Atypical:

1. Clozpaine
2. Risperidone

Question 5

AO3 for antipsychotics

Answer 5

• leucht
• Side effects
• CBTp

Question 6

How is CBTp more effective than drugs?

Answer 6

P: The NICE review of treatments for schizophrenia in 2014 found consistent evidence that when compared to standard care alone (only receiving antipsychotics), CBTp was effective in reducing rehospitalisation rates for up to 18 months following the end of the treatment. CBTp was also seen to reduce the severity of symptoms and improve social functioning a lot more. This shows the effectiveness of CBTp and highlighting antipsychotics may not be the best treatment.

Question 7

Outline how side effects of antipsychotics is a weakness?

Answer 7

P: A criticism of antipsychotics is that it has many potential side effects.

E: These side effects include weight gain, sleepiness, and dizziness.

E: The most serious side effect is from typical antipsychotics is neuroleptic malignant syndrome, which is caused by the blocked D2 receptors in the hypothalamus, this blocking can then cause coma’s and high temperatures which can be fatal.

L: This brings up issue on whether antipsychotics should be taken or is the risk worthwhile suggesting maybe there are better treatments available for schizophrenics