Biological therapies

Question 1

What is the use of typical anti-psychotics?

Answer 1

To reduce positive symptoms of schizophrenia.

Question 2

What is the rationale of typical anti-psychotics.

Answer 2

Based on the theory that schizophrenia results from excess levels of dopamine.

Question 3

What is the aim of typical anti-psychotics?

Answer 3

To reduce dopamine activity at receptor sites.

Question 4

What is process of typical anti-psychotics?

Answer 4

Blocks D2 receptors, reducing the ability of dopamine to bind on the post-synaptic receptor, lessening the response.

Question 5

What is an example of a typical anti-psychotic?

Answer 5

Chlorpromazine.

Question 6

What is the use of atypical anti-psychotics?

Answer 6

To treat all symptoms of schizophrenia without the problem of side effects.

Question 7

What is the rationale of atypical anti-psychotics.

Answer 7

Based on theory that schizophrenia results from an excess level of dopamine, as well as imbalance at other neurotransmitter sites, such as serotonin.

Question 8

What is the aim of atypical anti-psychotics?

Answer 8

To target dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain.

Question 9

What is process of atypical anti-psychotics?

Answer 9

Precise biochemical processes are unknown. They appear to have a major impact in blocking dopamine receptors.

Question 10

What is an example of an atypical anti-psychotic?

Answer 10

Clozapine.

Question 11

What are depot injections and who usually needs them?

Answer 11

Injections of the drug into the buttock, where it slowly released into the body. Injections are usually every two to four weeks. It is good for those who forgot to take their medication.

Question 12

What side effects can typical anti-psychotics cause?

Answer 12

Dry mouth, dizziness, and sexual dysfunction.

Question 13

What is an ethical problem with drug treatments?

Answer 13

You are unable to get informed consent from those who are worst.

Question 14

What is the use of ECT?

Answer 14

Originally used to treat schizophrenia, now used to treat depression and used rarely to treat schizophrenia.

Question 15

What is the rationale of ECT?

Answer 15

There is abnormal activity in neurotransmitters.

Question 16

What is the aim of ECT?

Answer 16

The shock disrupts neurotransmitter activity and corrects it. How exactly it does so in unclear.

Question 17

What is the process of ECT?

Answer 17

A patient is given an anesthetic and muscle relaxants. Electrodes are placed either bilaterally or unilaterally. A small current is passed through the brain for 0.5-5 seconds. It induces a mini-seizure by producing convulsions in the brain. It is usually given 3 times a week for 3-15 weeks.

Question 18

What are the possible side effects of ECT?

Answer 18

Cognitive side effects (such as memory loss) for up to 6 months.

Question 19

When is ECT best used?

Answer 19

When drug treatment has failed or if the patient is in desperate need.