Biological treatments of schizophrenia Flashcards
(32 cards)
when were antipsychotics introduced
1950s
what is the general function of antipsychotics
their general function is to lower dopamine activity to reduce symptoms
what is the reasoning for why antipsychotics lower dopamine
this due to the dopamine hypothesis which suggests changing a Sz levels of dp should diminish the disorder
what are the 2 types of antipsychotics
atypical antipsychotics
typical antipsychotics
example of typical antipsychotics
Chlorpromazine
example of atypical antipsychotics
clozapine and risperdone
TRUE or FALSE: typical antipsychotics are the first line of drug used when treating SZ
TRUE
how do typical antipsychotics work?
They bind with dopamine receptor sites (especially D2 receptor sites) which blocks dopamine transmission however, doesn’t stimulate the receptor site.
why do typical antipsychotics work to treat schizophrenia?
the typical antipsychotics work by reducing dp levels therefore the post-synaptic neuron cannot be stimulated therefore, eliminating positive symptoms
when are atypical antipsychotics used
when typical antipsychotics have failed
how do atypical antipsychotics work
they bind to dp receptor sites and some seretonin receptor sites blocking their function in multiple brain areas. They block neurotransmission temporarily as they rapidly dissociate to allow normal transmission.
why do atypical antipsychotics work to treat schizophrenia?
as the drugs temporarily lower dp and seretonin levels, this reduces positive and negative symptoms of SZ
who investigated the clinical effectiveness of typical and atypical antipsychotics for SZ treatment
BAGNALL ET AL (2003)
what was the aim of bagnalls research into schizophrenia
compared the clinical effectiveness of typical and atypical antipsychotics for SZ treatment
what was the procedure of bagnalls research into biological treatments of schizophrenia
data was compiled from 223 trials and 31 economic evaluations to assess effectiveness, side effects and cost effectiveness of each drug
what were the results of bagnalls research into biological treatments of sz
typical drugs:
effectiveness:
- treat only positive symptoms and not as effective as atypical drugs
side effects:
- not associated with weight gain, however produced similar levels of nausea as atypical drugs
cost effectiveness:
- cheapest option
Atypical drugs:
effectiveness:
- more effective than typical drugs at reducing schizophrenic symptoms treating pos and neg symptoms
side effects:
- fewer movement disorders, increased salivation, temperature, nasal congestion and weight gain. some drugs associated with cardiac death
cost effectiveness:
More expensive with cheaper versions prove less effecive
what did bagnall conclude after his research into biological treatments of sz
no drug can be considered better than the other.
while atypical seems mor eeffective theyre more expensive with cheaper versions being less effective.
each drug should be considered on individual basis however, can only be corrected through trial and error
how is chlorpromazine taken?
hint: form, dosage amount
tablets, syrup or injection form
max dosage is 1000mg but patients are started on a small dose working their way up
how does chlorpromazine work
they block dp receptors in the synapses of the brain, reducing action of Dopamine. Overtime the brain normalises neurotransmission in key areas of the brain - reducing pos symptoms
side effects of chlorpromazine?
dizziness
agitation
anxiety
dry mouth
insomnia
stiff jaw
long term use:
tardive dyskinesia (abnormal movement)
any other uses for chlorpromazine
chlorpromazine is also an effective sedative due to its effects of histamine receptors
–> calms people down for example when patients first admitted to hospital
how is clozapine taken?
hint: form, dosage amount, when its taken
a daily dosage that is typically 300-450mg
only used when all other treatments have FAILED
it is only in tablet form due to its potentially fatal side effects
patient has to have regular blood test to ensure they don’t develop agranulocytosis
how does clozapine work?
clozapine binds with dp receptors as well as acting on seretonin and glutamate receptors
its believed eyo reduce depression, anxiety as well as improving mood and cognitive function
side effects of clozapine?
nausea
confusion
irregular heart beat or pulse
dizziness
shakiness
agranulocytosis –> extremely low levels of white blood cells
