Lesson 8 - Drug therapy for Skiz - typical and atypical drugs

Question 1

typical anti-psychotic drugs

Answer 1

• aims to reduce positive symptoms
• reduce dopamine levels in the brain
• they block dopamine receptors at the synapse
• must bind to 60-75% of D2 receptors to be effective

Question 2

strengths of typical drugs

Answer 2

+ support by THORNLEY using a placebo. Ps had reduction of symptoms and lower relapse rates w typical drugs
+ effective in minimising symptoms . cheap and quick to produce. 97% of skiz Ps live at home bcs of drug therapy

Question 3

weaknesses of typical drugs

Answer 3

w- tardive dyskinesia (involuntary movements)
- negative side effects - weight gain, stiff jaw, and itchy skin
w- 2% of skiz Ps develop neuroleptic malignant syndrome - muscle rigidity, high temp, alt. consciousness

Question 4

atypical antipsychotics

Answer 4

• temporarily occupies the D2 receptors and then allows for normal dopamine transmission
• increase serotonin to improve mood
• fewer side effects
• reduces positive and negative symptoms

Question 5

strengths of atypical drugs

Answer 5

+ proven to be the most effective treatment to any other form of available therapy

Question 6

weaknesses of atypical drugs

Answer 6

w- revolving door hypothesis, it treats the symptoms but not the root cause
w- some Ps are resistant , some drugs will not be effective on Ps due to individual difference
w- chemical strait jacket - seen as a way to make Ps more manageable rather than to help them