drug treatment for schizophrenia Flashcards
what is drug therapy based on?
the idea that schizophrenia is caused by an imbalance of chemicals such as nt
what do drugs aim to do?
restore the balance of the chemicals in the brain
eg reducing nt to normal levels
what does an imbalance in chemicals result in?
changes in mood and behaviour
when are drugs offered and why?
as first line treatment due to the fact that they can help reduce symptoms that prevent patients from accessing other psychological therapies
how do antipsychotic drugs work?
by blocking the receptors that absorb dopamine reducing the action of dopamine
which receptors do AD act on normally?
D2 receptors
positive symptoms
what are the types of AD?
typical (older)
atypical (newer)
what is an example of a typical drug?
chlorpromazine
what is an example of an atypical drug?
clozopine
what does clozapine do?
seems to reduce hallucinations and delusions and also seems to work on patients who do not respon to other drugs
why are there reduced side effects in atypical drugs?
they do not bind to receptors quite so tightly
also block serotonin receptors
what are seretonon receptors called?
5HT2A
what are side effects of typical drugs?
stiffness and shakiness (parkinsons) sluggish pros with sex life breat swelling feel dizzy as affect blood pressure
what are side effects of atypical drugs?
weight gain
sleepiness
interference with sex life
if atypical drugs are taken long term what can it cause>
movements of the face and arms