Biological Treatments

Question 1

What are biological treatments of SZ based on

Answer 1

Hyperdopaminergia so aim to reduce activity of dopamine receptors

Question 2

What is an antagonist

Answer 2

Chemical which reduces the action of neurotransmitters

Question 3

Example of typical antipsychotic

Answer 3

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

Question 4

Alternative use of chlopromazine

Answer 4

Sedative used to calm patients

Question 5

What are atypical antipsychotics

Answer 5

Created more recently in an attempt to product more effective drug with fewer side effects

Question 6

Two examples of atypical antipsychotics

Answer 6

-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

Question 7

Expand on limitation that Side effects associated with antipsychotics

Answer 7

-tardive dyskinesia (involuntary facial movements)
-nausea, weight gain and increased heart rate
-stop taking drugs so reduces efficacy

Question 8

Expand on limitation that there are unclear mechanisms for role of dopamine

Answer 8

Og dopamine hypothesis is incomplete as suggested by the updated version
-dopamine levels in other parts of the brain are too low rather than too high suggesting antipsychotics should not work
-means some antipsychotics may not be best treatment as do not treat low dopamine levels

Question 9

Expand on limitation that some antipsychotics may be unethical and however point

Answer 9

-reduce the patient to a calm, zombie like state which is effectively controlling their behaviour which is dehumanising
-may not have consented to treatment as may not be in a position (psychotic state) to give consent and if they are sectioned treatment can also be enforced
H: may be considered necessary to keep patient from harming themselves or others