biological treatment of schizophrenia

Question 1

whats used to treat schizophrenia

Answer 1

antipsychotics

Question 2

what are the types of antipsychotics

Answer 2

typical and a typical

Question 3

whats an example of a typical antipsychotic

Answer 3

chlorpromazine

Question 4

how do typical antipsychotics work

Answer 4

• they work as dopamine antagonists and block dopamine receptors in the brain
• as high levels of dopamine are associated with schizophrenic symptoms

Question 5

what do typical antipsychotics treat

Answer 5

positive symptoms such as hallucinations

Question 6

what are side effects of typical antipsychotics

Answer 6

• tardive dyskinesia
• pseudoparkinsons
• catatonia

Question 7

what can typical antipsychotics also act as

Answer 7

sedatives
- as they block histamine receptors too

Question 8

how do atypical antipsychotics work

Answer 8

they attach to dopamine, serotonin and glutamine receptors then slowly dissipate allowing for regular neurotransmitter function

Question 9

what symptoms do atypical antipsychotics treat

Answer 9

both positive and negative symptoms
- and cognitive impairment

Question 10

whats an example of an atypical antipsychotic

Answer 10

clozapine

Question 11

what are the side effects of atypical antipsychotics

Answer 11

some tardive dyskinesia but less prevalent
- restlessness

Question 12

whats another example of an atypical antipsychotic

Answer 12

risperidone

Question 13

whats the difference between clozapine and risperidone

Answer 13

risperidone is much more effective and can be used in smaller doses
- also leads to fewer side effects

Question 14

a limitation of the biological treatment of schizophrenia is that there are side effects

Answer 14

antipsychotics result in a range of side effects such as tardive dyskinesia and psuedoparkinsons if used in long term
- this results in some patients opting for schizophrenic symptoms over those resulted from the medication meaning they dont take their medication
- this is a limitation as it suggests that the treatment isnt an effective way of treating schizophrenia as it suggests the treatment doesnt work, limiting the validity of biological treatment as a way of treating schizophrenia
- however atypical antipsychotics are associated with fewer side effects meaning patients are more likely to continue treatment

Question 15

a strength of the biological treatment of schizophrenia is that there is supporting research

Answer 15

• thornley reviewed studies comparing the effects of chlorpromazine to control conditions in which ptps received a placebo
• he found that in the 1121 participants those who took chlorpromazine were associated with better overall functioning and reduced symptom severity
• and relapse rates were lower than when chlorpromazine was taken
• this is a strength as it shows that treatments using the biological treatment of schizophrenia are effective at treating the symptoms of schizophrenia suggesting the treatment holds at least some validity
• antipsychotics as treatment does seem to be effective however treatment isnt effective in all participants and it doesnt cure the disorder

Question 16

a limitation of the biological treatment of schizophrenia is that its effects may have been exaggerated

Answer 16

• healy found that some successful trials have exaggerated the evidence for positive effects and also suggested as antipsychotics have powerful calming effects its easy to demonstrate that they have some positive effect on patients
• most studies also only study short term benefits rather than long term
• this is a limitation as it suggests that antipsychotics only treat the symptoms of schizophrenia short term and not the cause
• meaning antipsychotics have limited effectiveness in treating schizophrenia
• psychological treatments have been shown to be more effective long term such as CBT

Question 17

a limitation of the biological treatment of schizophrenia is that its reductionist

Answer 17

the biological treatment of schizophrenia is biologically reductionist as it doesnt take into account the many factors that may impact the onset of schizophrenia such as psychological or environmental factors like family dysfunction, and the treatment ignores evidence suggesting the impact of these factors
- this is a limitation as it doesnt provide a holistic explanation for the treatment of schizophrenia and therefore has limited validity and effectiveness as treatment for schizophrenia