drug therapy for SCZ

Question 1

Typical Antipsychotics

Answer 1

First-generation antipsychotic drugs primarily used to treat positive symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations and delusions. An example is chlorpromazine.

Question 2

Mechanism of Typical Antipsychotics

Answer 2

Typical antipsychotics work by blocking dopamine D2 receptors in the brain, which reduces the effects of dopamine and helps alleviate positive symptoms of schizophrenia.

Question 3

Side Effects of Typical Antipsychotics

Answer 3

Include extrapyramidal side effects (EPS) such as tremors, rigidity, tardive dyskinesia, and other motor control issues.

Question 4

Atypical Antipsychotics

Answer 4

Second-generation antipsychotic drugs that treat both positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia, such as social withdrawal and lack of emotion. Examples include clozapine and risperidone.

Question 5

Mechanism of Atypical Antipsychotics

Answer 5

Atypical antipsychotics block dopamine D2 receptors but more selectively than typical antipsychotics. They also affect serotonin receptors, which may reduce negative symptoms.

Question 6

Side Effects of Atypical Antipsychotics

Answer 6

Include weight gain, metabolic syndrome, and lower risk of extrapyramidal side effects compared to typical antipsychotics.

Question 7

Clozapine

Answer 7

An atypical antipsychotic often used when other treatments fail. It can be effective for both positive and negative symptoms but requires regular blood monitoring due to the risk of agranulocytosis.

Question 8

Risperidone

Answer 8

A commonly used atypical antipsychotic that balances dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain, helping treat a range of schizophrenia symptoms with fewer motor side effects.

Question 9

Comparison of Typical and Atypical Antipsychotics

Answer 9

Atypical antipsychotics generally have a broader mechanism of action, treating both positive and negative symptoms and causing fewer motor-related side effects than typical antipsychotics.

Question 10

Advantages of drug therapy.

Answer 10

successful for large number of patients

reduces positive symptoms

Question 11

disadvantages for drug therapy

Answer 11

isn’t very effective for negative symptoms

ethical issues

short term side effects

long term side effects

two thirds of people stop taking them

helps with symptoms not cause