EVAL OF DRUG THERAPY

Question 1

what are 4 evaluation points for drug therapy?

Answer 1

+ evidence for effectiveness of both anti-psychotics

• anti-psych depends on dopamine hypo
• serious side effects
• chemical cosh argument

Question 2

effectiveness of both anti-psychotics

Answer 2

P - there is a lot of evidence to support the use of drug therapies
E - chlorpromazine is associated with overall better function and reduced symptom severity
clozapine more effective than any drug, 30-50% success rate where TA failed
E- this evidence support that both T/AT can reduce symptoms
L - this increases practical application as we can see how both gave been a success

Question 3

use of antipsych depends on the dopamine hypothesis

Answer 3

P - the use of antipsych depends on the dopamine hypothesis
E - all antipsych are dopamine antagonists, this means that they block dopamine receptors in order
to reduce production, as high levels of dopamine have been seen to be a contrib factor to sz
E - contradictory evidence by modern psychologists found that too little dopamine can also lead to
sz
L - decreases dredbility because antipsych shouldn’t work if modern findings are true

Question 4

serious side effect

Answer 4

P - weakness is the likelihood of side effects, ranges from mild to serious to fatal
E - typical lead to dizziness, itchy skin, tardive dyskinesia lead to involuntary facial movements or
neuroleptic movement syndrome where you can go into a coma
atypical can lead to agranulocytosis, need reg blood tests
E- side effects can mean they cause more harm than good
L - decrease credbility because people may not want drug treatment because of what could happen

Question 5

the chemical cosh argument

Answer 5

P - Antipsych have been used n hospital to calm patients, rather than benefit them
E - short term use of AP to calm patients is recommended by National Institute for health and
clinical excellence (NICE), can be seen as human rights abuse
E - drugs are dehumanising and can take away personal responsibility and control
L - unethical as effectively controls behaviour
C- can be seen as necessary to keep patients from harming themselves/others