Biological Treatments Flashcards
What are biological treatments of SZ based on
Hyperdopaminergia so aim to reduce activity of dopamine receptors
What is an antagonist
Chemical which reduces the action of neurotransmitters
Example of typical antipsychotic
Chlopromazine- dopamine antagonist, blocks the dopamine receptors at the synapse which prevents the message being passed to the post-synaptic neuron which reduces the action of dopamine
-initially there is a build up but then production decreased
-found to reduce positive symptoms eg hallucinations
Alternative use of chlopromazine
Sedative used to calm patients
What are atypical antipsychotics
Created more recently in an attempt to product more effective drug with fewer side effects
Two examples of atypical antipsychotics
-clozapine: dopamine antagonist but also binds to glutamate and serotonin receptors sites which reduces positive symptoms eg hallucinations alongside negative symptoms eg avolition but also aids with anxiety, depression and cognitive processing, usually prescribed when patient at high risk of suicide but can cause blood condition
-risperidone: binds to dopamine, serotonin and noradrenaline receptor sites, binds more strongly to dopamine receptors than clozapine so more effective in smaller doses so reduced side effects
Side effects associated with antipsychotics
-tardive dyskinesia (involuntary facial movements)
-nausea, weight gain and increased heart rate
-stop taking drugs so reduces efficacy