Drug Therapy Flashcards
1
Q
Outline drug therapy as a way to treat Sz (6 marks)
A
One drug treatment is the typical antipsychotic called Chlorpromazine which is a dopamine antagonist. It reduces levels of dopamine in the brain. It binds to D2 receptors on the post synaptic neuron and reduces the action of dopamine. This reduces the positive symptoms of Sz such as hallucinations. Another drug treatment is the atypical antipsychotics such as Clozapine which act upon dopamine and serotonin. It binds to D2 dopamine receptors on the post synaptic neuron, reducing dopamine and reducing positive symptoms such as hallucinations. This also act upon serotonin receptor sites (2A and 2C) as agonists, which improves mood and reduces negative symptoms such as avolition.
