Schizophrenia - biological treatments

Question 1

What is the main form of biological treatments for SZ

Answer 1

Antipsychotic medication

Question 2

What are the two types antipsychotic medication

Answer 2

Typical and Atypical

Question 3

What is the main aim of all AP medication

Answer 3

Reduce or stabilise balance of dopamine in 4 pathways. Initially reduces + symptoms a lot, and - symptoms subside

Question 4

What are typical APs used for

Answer 4

Targeting dopamine receptor sites

Question 5

What are atypical APs used for

Answer 5

Try to stabilise different neurotransmitters

Question 6

What is the name of a typical AP to remember

Answer 6

Chlorpromazine

Question 7

What is the main aim of typical APs

Answer 7

Reduce levels of dopamine in the brain

Question 8

What is the action of typical APs

Answer 8

Bind to D2 receptor sites, to lower dopamine transmission and reduce positive symptoms. 60-75% of D2 blocked in Mesolithic pathway

Question 9

What are the potential problems with using typical APs

Answer 9

Due to 60-75% of D2 receptor sites being permanently blocked, dopamine levels become too low in mesolimbic / mesocortiyal pathways. Can aggravate negative symptoms

Question 10

What is the name of an atypical AP to remember

Answer 10

Clozapine

Question 11

What is the main aim of atypical APs

Answer 11

Modulate level of dopamine and serotonin in dopamine pathways

Question 12

What is the action of atypical APs

Answer 12

Block D1, D2, D4 and 5-HT2 receptors

Question 13

What are the potential side effects of atypical APs

Answer 13

Weight gain, decreased libido, drowsiness etc

Question 14

What is the illness Tardive Dyskinesia (TD)

Answer 14

Face and/or body make sudden movements out of your control. Side effect of APs and can be irreversible

Question 15

What is the mesolimbic pathway for dopamine

Answer 15

Sensory pathway involved in emotions and sensations of pleasure. Reducing dopamine reduces positive symptoms here

Question 16

What is the nigrostratial sensory pathway for dopamine

Answer 16

Role in controlling movement, and therefore dopamine and serotonin. Reducing dopamine leads to negative motor side effects, which is caused by the presence of serotonin, so the pathway blocks serotonin receptors. Reduces negative symptoms animator side effects

Question 17

What did Davis (1980) find as supporting research for biological treatments

Answer 17

Analysed results of 29 studies (3519 patients) and found relapse occurred in 55% of SZ patients whose AP drugs were replaced with a placebo, and 19% when taking the AP.