Biological Therapies Flashcards
what are typical antipsychotics
used since 1950s
-reduces symptoms like hallucinations
-also used as sedative
chloropromazine= acts as antagonist, reducing dopamine action by blocking receptors
what are atypical antipsychotics
used since 1970s
-more effective for reducing symptoms without side effects
-vary in how they work
clozapine= acts on dopamine serotonin and glutamine receptors
risperidone= less serious side effects binds to S and DA receptors
AO3 evidence for effectiveness
both are moderately effective
Thornley (2003) reviewed studies comparing chlorpromazine to control conditions
-> 13 trials 121 participants, associated with better functioning and reduced symptom severity
Meltzer (2012) clozapine is most effective
-> 30-50% of treatment resistant cases when typical antipsychotics failed
AO3 serious side effects
-associated with dizziness, agitation, sleepiness, stiff jaw, weight gain
-can lead to tardive dyskinesia- caused by dopamine supersensitivity (involuntary movements)
-NMS caused by blocking dopamine action in hypothalamus, results in high temp, delirium, coma
AO3 unclear mechanisms
-strongly associated with original dopamine hypothesis
-> linked to high dopamine in sub cortex
-not a complete explanation, dopamine levels are too low so antipsychotics shouldn’t work
-ineffective
AO3 reasons for prescription
Moncrieff (2013) used in hospitals to calm schizophrenics to make them easier to work with rather than for their own benefit
-however calming distressed patients makes them feel better and they can engage in treatments better
AO3 evidence for effectiveness counterpoint
Healy (2012) serious flaws, most studies were of short term effects and only some successful trials were published
-> shows an exaggerated view of how successful
-antipsychotics have a calming effect so easy to demonstrate positive effect on symptoms
