Biological Therapy Flashcards
Give one example of typical antipsychotics.
Chloropromazine
What is the max dosage for chloropromazine?
1000mg although usually doses are smaller.
What are dopamine antagonists and how do they work?
Reduces action of neurotransmitter it blocks dopamine receptors in synapses of the brain.
Initially dopamine builds up but then production is reduced.
Normalised neurotransmitters in key areas of brain reducing symptoms eg. Hallucinations.
What other effect does chloropromazine have?
Sedative effect
Related effect on histamine receptors but do not understand how it links to sedation. Often used to calm patients/calm anxiety.
List two atypical antipsychotics
Clozapine and Risperidone
Why were atypical antipsychotics developed?
Maintain/ improve upon effectiveness of drugs in suppressing symptoms of psychosis and to minimise side effects.
Why was clozapine withdrawn for a period of time?
As people were dying from a blood condition called aganulocytosis.
What is done now to ensure when taking clozapine this disease does not develop?
Regular blood tests
Explain biological effect of clozapine
Same effect on dopamine receptors but also work on glutamine receptors.
Mood increases, depression and anxiety decreases.
Improved cognitive functioning.
Usually prescribed when someone is at high risk of suicide.
Why was risperidone developed?
Remove side effects of clozapine.
Explain biological effect of risperidone
Binds to both dopamine and serotonin receptors. More strongly than clozapine so more effective in smaller doses. Less slide effects.
One strength of drug therapy is the evidence for effectiveness (AO3)
Large body of evidence for suggesting typical and atypical drugs effective in treating symptoms.
Thornley et al: reviewed studies comparing effects of chloropromazine to control. 13 trials, 1121 PPS showed drugs were associated with better functioning and reduced symptoms.
Meltzer: clozapine more effective than typical and other atypical. Effective in 30-50% treatment resistant cases.
Counterpoint to evidence is… (AO3)
Healy: serious flaws with evidence for effectiveness. Most studies only study short term effect and more successful trials data published twice exaggerating the size. Calming effect so easy to say reduces schizophrenia not same as reducing psychosis.
One limitation of drug therapy is the side effects (AO3)
Typical associated with serious side effects:
Dizziness, agitation, sleepiness, stiff jaw, itchy skin and weight gain.
Long term usage- tardive dyskinesia caused by dopamine sensitivity. (Facial movements)
Neuroleptic malgant syndrome (NMS) blocking dopamine receptors in hypothalamus, high temperature, coma and death
