Biological Treatments

Question 1

How do antipsychotics generally treat SZ?

Answer 1

Target hyperdopaminergia, reduce dopamine

Question 2

Describe how typical antipsychotics work in treating schizophrenia

Answer 2

~ chlorpromazine
~ blocks dopamine receptors at synapse, prevents message passing to post-synaptic neuron
~ reduces dopamine action (initial buildup, then production reduces)
= effective in reducing positive symptoms of SZ, also effective sedative

Question 3

Why were atypical antipsychotics?

Answer 3

Aimed to produce more effective drug with less side effects

Question 4

Describe how the two types of atypical antipsychotics work in treating SZ

Answer 4

• Clozapine = dopamine antagonist, also binds to glutamate and serotonin receptors sites
• reduces positive and negative symptoms, as well as anxiety + depression
• often prescribed to those at risk of suicide (30-50% with SZ will attempt), however chance of dangerous blood condition so blood tests must be done
• Risperidone = created to be as effective as clozapine w/o side effects
• binds to dopamine, serotonin + noradrenaline receptor sites
• binds more strongly to dopamine receptors; more effective in small doses

Question 5

What are some issues with biological treatments for schizophrenia?

Answer 5

Side effects —> long term tardive dyskinesia (involuntary facial movement) caused by DA sensitivity, NMS (neuroleptic malignant syndrome) , as well as common side effects (weight gain, nausea, etc)
- may make people avoid these, less effective
Unclear mechanism —> original dopamine hypothesis incomplete; low DA levels also don’t work = antipsychotics only treat hyperdopaminergia, ineffective for hypo
Ethical dilemma —> often drug treatment reduces patient to zombie-like state; questions consent of controlling behaviour