drug therapy

Question 1

what are antipsychotics?

Answer 1

• work as dopamine antagonists
• reduce the action of dopamine in areas of the brain associated with symptoms of schiz

Question 2

what are TYPICAL antispychotics?

Answer 2

• 1st generation
• chlorpromazine = sedative = calm paitents down
• reduce dopamine = binding to dopamine receptors without stimulating them
• reduces positive symptoms

Question 3

what are the problems with TYPICAL?

Answer 3

• kapur et al = 60-70% of d2 receptors in the mesolimbic dopamine pathway must be blocked for drugs to be affective
• similar d2 receptors in other areas of the brain are also blocked
• side effects = tardive dyskinesia = involuntary movement of the tongue/face/jaw

Question 4

ATYPICAL antispychotics

Answer 4

• 2nd generation
• clozpine
• maintain effectivness whilst reducing side effects
• only temporarily occupy DA receptors before dissaciating and allowing normal dopamine transmission
• act on serotonin and gultamate receptors = improve mood, reduce anxiety/depression