Schizophrenia - Biological Therapies Flashcards
Biological therapies for SZ?
Antipsychotic medication
Types of antipsychotic?
Conventional and Atypical
Which antipsychotic is more widely used?
Conventional (1950s) have now largely been superseded by the new 2nd generation atypical (1990s)
What do antipsychotics do?
Help them function as well as possible in life and increase feelings of subjective wellbeing, but don’t cure SZ
What symptoms to antipsychotics combat?
They can eliminate positive symptoms by reducing stimulation of the dopamine system in the brain (but not negative)
When are antipsychotics taken?
Some individuals have to take a course once whilst others will take regular doses in order to prevent symptoms reappearing to an unacceptable level
Example of a conventional antipsychotic?
Chloropromazine
What does chlorpromazine to do the dopamine system?
Dopamine antagonist - so reduces stimulation and so reduces SZ symptoms
What does chlorpromazine do?
Binds tightly to dopamine receptors (particularly D2) but doesn’t stimulate them - when dopamine is released from neurones it’s unable to bind to the receptors so doesn’t have an effect
What symptoms does chlorpromazine combat?
Positive symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions
Example of an atypical antipsychotic?
Clozapine
What does clozaphine do?
Binds loosely to D2 receptors and then rapidly dissociates, binds to serotonin 5-HT2A receptors to stimulate enough dopamine release to stop motor side effects but not too much so the benefits are still seen
What does dissociation allow for?
Natural dopamine transmission between doses
What symptoms does clozapine combat?
Eliminates positive symptoms and treats negative symptoms
Difference in side effects between antipsychotics?
Atypical have lower levels of side effects so are better tolerated
