Biological Therapies For Sz

Question 1

There are two categories of biological therapies what are they?

Answer 1

Typical and a typical antipsychotics

Question 2

Which typical drug works as a dopamine block?

Answer 2

Cholorpromazine

Question 3

How do dopamine antagonists work?

Answer 3

By blocking dopamine receptors at the synapse

Question 4

Why does blocking receptors reduce the symptoms of sz

Answer 4

Initially dopamine rises but then production is reduced, normalising neurotransmission in key brain areas reducing symptoms like hallucinations

Question 5

Other than blocking dopamine what is another effect of chlorpromazine ?

Answer 5

It has a sedation effect and it often given to anxious patients when first admitted to hospital

Question 6

What is the aim of newer atypical antipsychotics?

Answer 6

Maintain or improve effectiveness of surpressing symptons of psychosis and minimise side effects of drug

Question 7

What is the known atypical antipsychotic?

Answer 7

Clozapine

Question 8

What is similar and different about chlorpromazine and clozapine?

Answer 8

Both act on dopamine receptors but clozapine also acts on serotonin and glutamate receptors

Question 9

Why is it good that clozapine improves mood?

Answer 9

As 50% of sz patients commit suicide

Question 10

Why is risperdone more effective than clozapine ?

Answer 10

It binds more strongly and therefore only small does are needed stopping the risk of ( blood condition)