schiz- biological treatments Flashcards
What is the mesolimbic pathway involved with
With emotions and sensations of pleasure.
What should reducing the hyperactivity of dopamine in the mesolimbic pathway do
Reduce positive symptoms like delusions.
By using a hit and run action (_____ ____________) AP have their effect on dopamine receptors and then quickly leave the receptor site.
Rapid dissociation
What does rapid dissociation allow
Allows AP to have an effect, but then receptors quickly become available for naturally occurring dopamine before the next dose. This action helps avoid some motor side effects
Blocking receptors on the Nigrostriatal Sensory Pathway can lead to
Motor side effects
What pathway is this?Serotonin presence in this pathway inhibits dopamine
Nigrostriatal Sensory Pathway
Why do atypical APs target serotonin receptors?
Serotonin presence in this pathway inhibits dopamine, so the AP’s action is to block serotonin receptors to actually increase levels of natural dopamine.
What do atypical APs help to reduce by reducing serotonin
Negative symptoms and reduces motor side effects.
Evaluation of bio treatments -Davis evidence
Davis et al (1980) Analysed the results of 29 studies (with about 3500 patients) looking into the effectiveness ofantipsychotics. They found that relapse occurred in 55% in patients whose anti-psychotic drugs were replaced by aplacebo, compared to just just 19% relapsed when they were still taking their antipsychotic medication.Shows effectiveness of APs by highlighting the rates of relapse by those not taking their meds
Evaluating Bio treatments-Ross and Reed problems with Davis’ research
However, Ross and Read (2004) point out that these figures could be misleading, as they also indicate that 45% ofthose taking placebos did actually benefit from this. Likewise, of the 81% of those who benefitted from the drug, thedata suggests that a large number of these (i.e. 45%) would have also benefitted from a placebo.Hence APs may not be the complete solution to schiz and many patients could actually benefit from, sugar pills which have no risk of developing side effects
_____et al (1980) Analysed the results of __ studies (with about ____patients) looking into the effectiveness ofantipsychotics. They found that relapse occurred in __% in patients whose anti-psychotic drugs were replaced by aplacebo, compared to just just __% relapsed when they were still taking their antipsychotic medication.
Davis
29
3500
50
19
However, ____ and ____ (2004) point out that these figures could be misleading, as they also indicate that __% ofthose taking placebos did actually benefit from this. Likewise, of the __% of those who benefitted from the drug, thedata suggests that a large number of these (i.e. __%) would have also benefitted from a placebo.
Ross and Read
45
81
45
Evaluating bio treatments - Elesser
In a longitudinal study design Elesser discoveredthat anti-psychotics should not be thought of asa cure, even though they can eliminate somesymptoms and make psychotic experiences lessintense and distressing.They do not help everyone, and rarely removeall symptoms. The more typical anti-psychoticshelp about 65% of those treated whilst atypicaldrugs help about 85% of patients.This shows the effectiveness of APs can be questioned as they clearly do not help everyone or remove all symptoms
The more typical anti-psychoticshelp about __% of those treated whilst atypicaldrugs help about __% of patients.-According to Elesser
65
85
Evaluating bio treatments- side effects
Other than tardive dyskinesia (which effects 60%) there are manyside-effects of anti-psychotic medication.These include:Between 20-40% experience muscle tremorsand rigidity, especially of their legs and feet;Dsytonia – involves muscle contractions whichproduce uncontrollable movements of theface, neck and back;Akathisia- is a psychomotor complaintinvolving restlessness, agitation , discomfort oflimbs which causes you to constantly fidgetand pace up and down.This implies that using APs creates an ethical dileama as although removing concerning symptoms you are not really protecting from harm
