Drug Treatments for Schizophrenia Flashcards
1
Q
Drug Treatments for Schizophrenia
A
FGAs
SGAs
2
Q
FGAs
A
Block postsynaptic dopamine receptors.
Most effective is those who block D2 Receptors
Can lead to uncontrollable muscle movements (tardive dyskinesia)
3
Q
SGAs
A
Blocks dopamine, seratonin & glutamate receptors
Clozapine
Can lead to blood conditions
4
Q
Eval. of Drug/Biological Treatment for SZ
2 Strength, 2 Weaknesses
A
Strengths
- Zhao et al. (2016) Meta-analysis of over 10,000 people. 17/18 antipsychotics had lower relapse rates than the placebo
- Has allowed patients not to just live out their lives in institutions, which increases stigma attached to SZ through lack of contact with the outside world
Weaknesses
- Patel et al. Found that 20% show no improvement after FGAs, 45% show little improvement and side affects. Majority of those on drugs daily are unemployed, struggle to function
- Kapur (2000) found that we should be cautious generalising from animal studies. Symptoms are reduced but cannot show side effects that would affect everyday functioning in humans. Also extremely high doses given that would be harmful to humans
