Biological therapy for schizophrenia

Question 1

Antipsychotics

Answer 1

Drugs used to reduce the intensity of symptoms, in particular the positive symptoms of psychotic disorders like SZ

Question 2

Typical antipsychotics

Answer 2

• 1st generation of drugs for SZ and other psychotic disorders - used since 1950s
• e.g Chlorpromazine
• Act as dopamine antagonists - antagonists are chemicals which reduce the action of a neurotransmitter
• Dopamine antagonists work by blocking dopamine receptors in the synapses of the brain - reducing the action of dopamine
• Normalising the dopamine levels reduces symptoms like hallucinations
• They are also effective sedatives and is often used to calm individuals not only with SZ but also with other conditions - Is often done when patients are first admitted to a hospital and are anxious

Question 3

Atypical antipsychotics

Answer 3

• Developed after typical antipsychotics - used since 1970s
• They target a range of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin - aim to reduce positive and negative symptoms
• e.g Clozapine (developed in 1960s)
• Clozapine appeared to be more effective than typical antipsychotics
• Marketed as a treatment for SZ to use when other treatments failed
• It has potentially fatal side effects so isn’t available as an injection and it is given in smaller doses than typical antipsychotics
• Clozapine binds to dopamine receptors but also acts on serotonin and glutamate receptors - it is believed this may improve mood and reduce depression and anxiety in patients and may improve cognitive functioning

Question 4

Drug therapy - evaluation - strength

Answer 4

• Evidence to support its effectiveness
• Studies showed Chlorpromazine was associated with better functioning and reduced symptom severity compared to a placebo
• Studies also showed that Clozapine is more effective than typical antipsychotics and other atypical antipsychotics

Question 5

Drug therapy - evaluation - limitation

Answer 5

• Serious side effects
• Typical antipsychotics associated with: dizziness, weight gain, itchy skin (short term), Long term effects include tardive dyskinesia which causes involuntary facial movements - Most serious side effect associated with antipsychotics (mainly typical) is NMS which can result in being in a coma
• Means antipsychotics can do harm as well as good