Sz: Biological Therapies

Question 1

What is a typical antipsychotic?

Answer 1

Chlorpromazine

Question 2

What is Chlorpromazine?

Answer 2

First used in 1950s - if taken orally, then daily up to 1000mg max. First doses are smaller and gradually increase 400mg-800mg
- act as an antagonist in the D system. Reduce the actions of D, but blocking D receptors in the synapses of the brain - initially D levels build, but then production is reduced.
- reduces hallucinations
—> effective sedative - calms patients that have conditions or are anxious

Question 3

What are the Atypical antipsychotics?

Answer 3

• clozapine
• Risperidone

Question 4

What is Clozapine?

Answer 4

First used in 1970s - daily dosage is typical of 300mg-450mg a day
- binds to D receptors and acts on serotonin and glutamate receptors.
- improves mood and reduces depression and anxiety, may also improve cognitive processes
- sometimes prescribed if patient at high risk of suicide
—> side effects can be a potential blood condition (agranulocytosis)

Question 5

What is risperidone?

Answer 5

First used in 1990s - daily does of 4-8mg and a max of 12mg or injection every 2 weeks
- bind to D and serotonin receptors - binds more effectively so only smaller doses
—> fewer side effects

Question 6

What did Thornley find about the effectiveness of drug therapies?

Answer 6

• conducted a meta-analysis looking at the effectiveness of Chlorpromazine vs a placebo - data from 1000+ ptps showed that Chlorpromazine is associated with better overall functioning and reduced symptom severity - also reduced relapse rates

Question 7

What did Meltzer find about the effectiveness?

Answer 7

• found that clozapine can be effective up to 30-50% of treatment resistant cases where typical antipsychotics have failed
  —> shows it is also effective in reducing symptoms

Question 8

What are the potential problems of drug therapies?

Answer 8

• side effects: gain weight, drowsiness, diabetes, etc.
• cost - new psychotics are more expensive
• withdrawal effects are severe
• high dropout rate
• not a cure
• social stigma
• remembering to take doses can be hard for those with Sz
• doesn’t work for everyone

Question 9

What’s some positives of drug therapy?

Answer 9

• right to withdraw - dropout
• relapse is less likely
• less invasive than older therapies
• less effort and easy to administer
• ## less expensive than CBT