S - Biological Therapies Flashcards
What are the two main types of drugs?
Atypical
Typical
What symptoms do typical drugs treat?
Positive
Describe how typical anti-psychotic drugs work
They are dopamine antagonists - they bind to the dopamine receptors (D2) so that dopamine cannot reach the receptors to stimulate them
Reduced stimulation of the dopamine system means that symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions can be eliminated
Describe how atypical anti-psychotic drugs work
Act on the dopamine system
Are thought to block the serotonin receptors in the brain too
What symptoms do atypical drugs treat?
Positive and negative
Describe ECT
Involves administrating an electric shock for a fraction of a second to the end which induces a seizure
Seizure generally lasts between about 15 and 60 seconds
Can be bilateral (given to both sides of the head) or unilateral (non-dominant side only)
Why is a muscle relaxant given during ECT?
To ensure that the muscle contractions that occur do not result in bone or muscle damage
How long is a typical course of treatment for ECT?
6-12 treatments
3x per week
However, why might drugs not be effective?
Not effective for everyone
About 30% of patients diagnosed with schizophrenia either do not respond or are intolerant to the drugs
Why might drugs not be appropriate?
Unwanted side effects
Tardive dyskinsia is an irreversible disorder that can be induced as a result of long-term use
Why might drugs be appropriate?
Schizophrenia is believed to be biologically based so its appropriate for treatment to be biological as well
Why is ECT not effective?
Less effective than drugs alone - but when it was combined with drags it enhanced their effectiveness
