Biological Treatments Flashcards
Biological treatments for Sz
Antipsychotics- these are dopamine antagonists and stop dopamine effect and absorption (hyper)
Typical- chlorpromazine
Atypical- clozapine, risperdone
(bind to complementary dopamine receptors on postsynaptic membrane, preventing dopamine molecules from binding to these sites. Results in inhibitory effect, where there is lower rate of action potential generation in postsynaptic membranes, so returns neurotransmission to a normal level)
Typical vs Atypical antipsychotics
Typical- chlorpromazine- 1st gen of Sz drugs,
Atypical- clozapine, risperdone- 2nd gen, used to improve effectiveness and reduce side effects that typical has
Chlorpromazine
Typical
Form- tablet, syrup, deep muscle injection
Dosage- 400-800mg
Work- blocks D2 receptors reducing dopamine effect, targets mesolymbic pathway
Side effects-
-dry mouth, weight gain,
-uncontrolled muscle movement in face
-coma and death (0.1%)
Clozapine
Atypical
Form- tablets (too powerful to inject)
Dosage- 300-450mg
Work- binds weakly to D2 receptors, gives mood enhancing effect
Side effect-
Some deaths due to white blood cell loss, regular blood tests needed
Risperdone
Atypical
Form- tablet, syrup, injection
Dosage- 4-8mg
Work- believed to bind to dopamine and serotonin receptors
Side effect- weight, dry mouth (minor and uncomfortable)
Aims to be as effective as clozapine without side effects
Limitation drug treatments for Sz (ethics)
Unethical to prescribe potentially fatal drugs
Could also cause depression due to constant uncomfort, some stop taking
However there is some ways around side effects, such as regular blood tests
Strength drug treatment Sz (economy)
Improve quality of life, reduce Sz symptoms
Allows people to return to work, less stress on NHS etc
Strength Drug treatment Sz (cost effective)
Cost effective vs therapy
Therapy £60 per session, min 20 sessions
28 tablets of chlorpromazine is £15 plus no waiting
