Schizophrenia: Biological Treatment - Drug Therapy

Question 1

Why would drug therapy be suggested as a biological treatment for schizophrenia?

Answer 1

If it is assumed that psychological disorders occur biologically, then treatment should also originate biologically.

Question 2

What type of drugs are used to treat schizophrenia?

Answer 2

Antipsychotics

Question 3

What type of antipsychotics are used for patients with schizophrenia?

Answer 3

Dopamine antagonists

Question 4

How can antipsychotics be taken?

Answer 4

• Tablet
• Syrup
• Injection

Question 5

Briefly describe how antipsychotics help reduce symptoms of a schizophrenic patient.

Answer 5

They work by binding to the D2 receptors to sedate the patient to reduce the intensity and frequency of their symptoms to allow for functioning in their life.

Question 6

Why does binding to the D2 receptors help?

Answer 6

Due to excess dopamine being correlated with schizophrenia, they reduce the amount of activity in parts of the brain that rely on dopamine to eliminate positive symptoms such as hallucinations.

Question 7

Give an example of a first generation antipsychotic.

Answer 7

Chlorpromazine

Question 8

How does a first generation drug work to reduce symptoms of schizophrenia.

Answer 8

They block dopamine receptors to prevent over-activity which improves disturbed thoughts and behaviours through a calming effect.

Question 9

Give an example of a first generation antipsychotic.

Answer 9

Clopazine

Question 10

How does a second generation drug work to reduce symptoms of schizophrenia.

Answer 10

They work on multiple neurotransmitters such as the serotonin and dopamine receptors by temporarily binding with them and disappearing to allow normal activity to combat positive and negative symptoms with little side effects.

Question 11

What problem may multiple people with schizophrenia face with drug therapy?

Answer 11

They can only be placed on one antipsychotic at a time either short-term or for the rest of their lives and different people respond to drugs differently, leaving some not responding to any at all.

Question 12

Using the acronym ‘DESSERT’, evaluate a ‘different treatment’ point.

Answer 12

P - Assertive Community Therapy can be used as an alternative treatment
E - It focuses on the patient learning social skills to improve their functioning in life
E - Therefore it helps the patient in the long-term for rehabilitation into society instead of only treating their symptoms

Question 13

Using the acronym ‘DESSERT’, evaluate an ‘expense’ point.

Answer 13

P - Expensive
E - Whilst patients may be able to obtain them from the NHS some in other countries will not have that privilege and some prescriptions last a life time
E - Therefore it will be expensive for the majority

Question 14

Using the acronym ‘DESSERT’, evaluate 2 ‘supporting studies’ points.

Answer 14

P - Meltzer et al (2004) supports
E - Found in a double blind study that an antipsychotic showed significant improvements in all aspects of functioning compared to control
E - Therefore showing the effectiveness of drugs at reducing symptoms and allowing patients to function in their life
P - Schooler et al (2005) supports
E - He found a 75% reduction in symptoms when taking antipsychotics
E - Therefore showing the effectiveness at reducing symptoms for patients

Question 15

Using the acronym ‘DESSERT’, evaluate a ‘side effects’ point.

Answer 15

P - Jeste et al found 25% more severe side effects with first generation drugs compared to second
E - These include low blood pressure and muscle spasms
E - This may therefore deter patients from taking the medication which would may their symptoms worse

Question 16

Using the acronym ‘DESSERT’, evaluate an ‘ethics’ point.

Answer 16

P - High social control
E - Antipsychotics have been called ‘chemical straitjackets’ due to their control over the patients behaviours
E - Therefore patients may be less likely to take medication and compromises their rights if someone forces them to

Question 17

Using the acronym ‘DESSERT’, evaluate a ‘reason or mask’ point.

Answer 17

P - Drug therapy only masks the symptoms
E - Drugs do not cure schizophrenia due to it being incurable
E - And so patients may lack motivation to continue taking medication or seek it due to not finding methods that get rid of their disorder completely

Question 18

Using the acronym ‘DESSERT’, evaluate a ‘time commitment’ point.

Answer 18

P - Patients must commit to taking the drugs regularly
E - For some the treatment plan may be short-term however some are placed on it for life and so taking medication takes up a lot of time
E - Therefore this may result in demotivation for taking medication and result in a relapse

Question 19

Any other evaluation points?

Answer 19

P - Reductionist
E - It only focuses on treating symptoms caused by biological reasons such as a chemical imbalance of neurotransmitters like dopamine
E - Therefore it doesn’t account for environmental factors that may be influencing relapse of a patient
P - There have been recent improvements in drug therapy
E - Side effects have been reduced and effectiveness at treating both positive and negative symptoms is improving
E - Therefore patients may be more likely to seek help due to the reduced consequences, however there is still a way to go