Biological Treatment of SZ

Question 1

what was an early treatment for sz

Answer 1

a prefrontal lobotomy

Question 2

anti-psychotics were designed to do what

Answer 2

to help a person manage their disorder, but also help manage their life too

Question 3

what treatment is usually recommended as an initial treatment for sz and why

Answer 3

drug treatments as they can offer some immediate relief

Question 4

how can anti-psychotics be taken

Answer 4

syrup tablet or injection

Question 5

how does the whole process of the drug treatment for sz work

Answer 5

• doctor prescribes
• monitors for side effects
• adjust quantity / type of drug so it is tailored to the person

Question 6

how to antipsychotics work

Answer 6

they block the dopamine receptors which lowers the activity at the synapse which reduces positive symptoms

Question 7

what are the two types of anti-psychotics

Answer 7

typical and atypical

Question 8

describe typical drugs

Answer 8

blocks dopamine receptors lowering activity reducing mainly positive symptoms

Question 9

describe atypical drugs

Answer 9

block dopamine less/more temporarily and also block other nt like serotonin can reduce both positive and negative symptoms

Question 10

what are the side effects of typical antipsychotics

Answer 10

tardive dyskinesia (abnormal movement of facial muscles), spasm, low blood pressure

Question 11

side effects of atypical drugs

Answer 11

similar side effects, less common, less severe (e.g.tardive dyskinesia 5.4% with typical vs 0.8% with atypical)

Question 12

what did leiberman find (drug treatment for sz)

Answer 12

:( he found many of the ps stopped taking meds due to the severe side effects
this conflicts that it is a successful treatment for sz as there may be better tratment without the side effects

Question 13

what did rosa find (drug treatment for sz)

Answer 13

:( found only 50% of ps complied with taking meds therefor is less useful if patient is reluctant to take the treatment

Question 14

what did emsley find (drug treatment for sz)

Answer 14

:) emsley found 84% of patients on anti-psychotics had at least a 50% reduction in symptoms -> anti-psychotics help symptoms so they are an effective treatment of sz

Question 15

what did hogarty find (drug treatment for sz)

Answer 15

:) found that relapse rate 48% taking anti-psychotic vs 80% without medication therefore effective treatment for sz as less patients symptoms are returning

Question 16

weaknesses of drug treatment for sz (4)

Answer 16

:( drug treatments are not treating the cause just alleviate the symptoms
:( no empirical way to test if the drug is working can only ask the patient who may lie
:( not effective for everyone as not tailored to individual
:( side effects may leave a patient to discontinue the medication