Biological Therapies

Question 1

Antipsychotics

Answer 1

• Drug which reduces psychotic illness
• most common treatment of Sz
• DA antagonist - reduce activity in DA pathway

Question 2

Antipsychotics form

Answer 2

Tablet, syrup or injection for usually a short course with no symtom return but some require for life

Question 3

Typical Antipsychotics

Answer 3

• Binds to dopamine receptors and blocks action so there is a decrease in actiivty of dopamine -> reduced summation and neuron less likely to fire
• Treats negative symptoms

Question 4

Typical Antipsychotic example

Answer 4

Chlorpromazine

Question 5

Research evidence against typical antipsychotics

Answer 5

KAPUR ET AL= 60-75% D2 receptros neet to be blocked -> could block other D2 receptors -> unwanted movement side effects such as tardive dyskenisia

Question 6

Atypical antipsychotics

Answer 6

• Block D2 receptors loosely + temporarily so dopamine pathways less affected to reduced side effects
• Bind to seretonin receptors = seretonin agonist so helps with flat affect = suicide prevention
• Treats positive and negative symptoms

Question 7

Atypical Antipsychotic example

Answer 7

Rispiridone and Clozapine

Question 8

Research evidence for the use of typical antipsychotics

Answer 8

THORNLEY ET AL= chloropromazine, 13 trials, 1121pt
overal better functioning and reduced symptoms

Question 9

Research evidence for atypical antipsychotics

Answer 9

MELTZER = clozapine is more effective than typical and other atypical drugs
30-50% effective

Question 10

Side effects of typical antipsychotics

Answer 10

• itchy skin
• dizziness
• weight gain

Question 11

Flaws with antipsychotic evidence

Answer 11

• short term effect
• data published multiple times so exaggerated

Question 12

Atypical Antipsychotic Side Effect

Answer 12

Decreases white blood cel count so more prone to disease