Lesson 4 - Biological Treatments for Schizophrenia Flashcards
What is the most common treatment for schizophrenia?
Drugs, specifically antipsychotic drugs
What are the 3 forms that these drugs can be taken in?
Tablets,
Syrup,
Injection.
What are the two types of anti-psychotic drugs?
- Typical antipsychotics
- Atypical antipsychotics
When did typical antipsychotics initially start being used?
1950s
What is the main typical antipsychotic that you must know?
Chlorpromazine
What is chlorpromazine?
This is a drug that can be taken as a syrup, injection or tablet. It is also an effective sedative, and is often used to calm the nerves of schizophrenics.
What is the maximum dosage for chlorpromazine?
1000mg, but the dosages start at 400mg and gradually increase to 800mg.
What do typical antipsychotics do scientifically?
They are dopamine antagonists. This means that they bind to receptors, and then block them from firing, which ultimately reduces the actions of dopamine.
What do typical antipsychotics do realistically?
They reduce positive symptoms such as hallucinations, and also calm the nerves of the schizophrenic and make them seem sleepy.
When did atypical antipsychotics initially emerge?
1970s
What are atypical antipsychotics for?
They were used to improve upon the effectiveness of typical antipsychotics, and minimise the side effects. They also counteract negative symptoms and cognitive impairment.
What are the two types of atypical antipsychotics you should know?
Clozapine and Risperidone
When was clozapine developed?
It was developed in the 1960s, and trialed in the 1970s. It was withdrawn, and then reintroduced in the 1980s.
Why was clozapine initially withdrawn from being used?
It caused a blood condition known as agranulocytosis.
How is clozapine practically used today?
It is used as an alternative treatment if typical antipsychotics failed to work. However, the patients must be given regular blood tests if they are taking clozapine, in order to prevent agranulocytosis.