Biological Therapy Flashcards
1
Q
Biological Therapy
Dopamine Antagonists
Typical Antipsychotics
A
- There is strong connection between typical antipsychotics (e.g. chlorpromazine) and the dopamine hypothesis.
- They work by reduce the action dopamine by blocking dopamine receptors in the synapses of the brain.
- Additionally, after taking chlorpromazine for a period of time DA production decreases too.
- This dopamine antagonist affect normalises NT in the brian, reducing symptoms such as hallucinations.
2
Q
Biological Therapy
Sedation Effect
Typical Antipsychotics
A
- Chlorpromazine is also an effective sedative which can be used to calm individuals with schizophrenia.
- This is often done when patients are first admitted to hospitals and are very anxious.
3
Q
Biological Therapy
Clozapine
Atypical Antipsychotics
A
- Clozapine was developed in the 1960s but was withdrawn in the 70s following the death of patients from agranulocytosis.
- It was later remarketed as a treatment for schizophrenia to be used when all other treatments failed and is given in smaller doses than chlorpromazine.
- Patients taking this drug have regular blood tests to ensure they are not developing agranulocytosis.
- It binds to receptors just as chlorpromazine does but also acts on serotonin and glucamate receptors.
- This means it can reduce depression or anxiety and may improve cognitive functioning.
4
Q
Biological Therapy
Risperidone
Atypical Antipsychotics
A
- Risperidone was developed to be an alternative to clozapine but without the dangerous side effects.
- Like clozapine, it binds to DA and serotonin receptors.
- However, it binds more strongly to receptors than clozapine and is therefore effective in much smaller doses.
- There is evidence to suggest this leads to fewer side effects.
5
Q
Biological Therapy: Evaluation
Serious Side Effects
Limitation
A
- Antipsychotic medication can have serious side effects.
- Long-term use of antipsychotics can lead to tardive dyskinesia which is caused by DA supersensitivity and causes involuntary facial movements.
- The most serious side effect of particularly typical antipsychotics is neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS).
- This is caused when the drug blocks dopamine in the hypothalamus.
- NMS results in high temperature, delirium, coma or even death.
This means antipsychotics can do harm as well as good and individuals might avoid such treatments (making them ineffective)
6
Q
Biological Therapy: Evaluation
Evidence for Effectiveness
Strength
A
- Antipsychotics have a large amount of evidence supporting their use.
- Data from 113 trials showed that chlorpromazine was associated with better functioning and reduced symptom severity compared to a placebo control.
- Additionally, clozapine has been shown to be 30-50% more effective than typical antipsychotics in treatment-resistent cases.
This suggests that antipsychotics are an effective treatment for schizophrenia.
7
Q
Biological Therapy: Evaluation
Flawed Evidence
Counterpoint
A
- Evidence supporting the effectiveness of antipsychotics is from short-term studies.
- Some studies also had their successful findings published multiple times, exaggerating the results.
This means that research supporting the use of antipsychotics may be less impressive than it appears.
