Biological treatments of SZ Flashcards
When were typical antipsychotics developed?
In the 50s/60s, originally as antihistamine to treat allergies.
Give an example of a typical antipsychotic drug.
Chlorpromazine
How to typical antipsychotics work?
-Tightly bind to all D2 receptors.
-Slowly dissociate.
-Decreases the ability of dopamine to bind to receptors.
What is the effect of typical antipsychotics?
-Decrease positive symptoms of SZ (especially hallucinations and delusions).
-But has little effect on negative symptoms.
What are side effects of typical antipsychotics?
-Extrapyramidal side effects which often lead to limited motor ability.
-Tardive Dyskinesia, involved unwanted tongue and face movements.
When were atypical antipsychotics developed?
In the 70s, mainly used for those unresponsive to other antipsychotics.
Give an example of an atypical antipsychotic drug.
Clozapine
How to atypical antipsychotics work?
-Loosely bind to some D2 receptors.
-Quickly dissociate.
-Limited access to receptors.
-Decrease the overall activity of dopamine synapses.
What is the effect of atypical antipsychotics?
-Reduce positive symptoms (hallucinations + delusions).
-Reduce negative symptoms (cognitive impairment).
What are the side effects of atypical antipsychotics?
-Agranulocytosis
Decrease white blood cells and increase the risk of infection.
Evaluate drug therapy for SZ.
+Positive implications for the economy.
Drugs are cheap and can be provided immediately.
However, they have high relapse rates which leads to more hospitalisations. This may end up costing more in the long run- negative implications for the economy.
-Serious serious side effects (Crossley et al).
patients on atypicals gained weight and those on typicals experienced more extrapyramidal side effects.
