SZ - biological treatment: drug therapy (20)

Question 1

para 1

Answer 1

AO1 - rationale behind drug treatment for SZ
->it is assumed that psychological problems originate at the biological level
and the therefore should be treated by
biological treatments
->one way to treat abnormal behaviour is to using drugs, known as chemotherapy
->these drugs can be grouped under several headings:
->anti-anxiety drugs (to control feelings of tension & anxiety)
->anti-depressant drugs (to lift the mood of depressed individuals)
->anti-psychotic drugs (to steady psychotic disorders such as sz).

AO3: strength
->drug treatment is
a more ethical form of treatment than previous treatments for SZ eg. insulin shock therapy

AO3: weakness
->FGA can cause tardive dyskinesia
->major motor side effects such as muscle tremours and spasms, can also cause Parkinsons disease, and sleep problems (eg. insomnia)
->this means lots of patients do not want to comply with drugs due to major side effects
->also 50% of patients do not take the drugs as problems with functioning may mean that they may not remember to take their medication

Question 2

para 2

Answer 2

AO1 - FGAs (part 1)
->anti psychotic drugs were first developed in the 1950s to help sedate the patient and reduce intensity & frequency of their symptoms (to help them function as well as possible in their life)
->one of the first antipsychotics was chlorpromazine, which works by blocking a variety of receptor in the brain, particularly D2 receptors (as
dopamine is a NT involved in regulating mood).

AO3: strength
(supporting research)
->Ying Jino Zhao (2016) conducted a meta-analysis comparing 18 antipsychotics in 56 randomised control trials (RCT) with over 10,000 people
->they found that 17 of the antipsychotics tested had significantly lower relapse rate than the placebos ->therefore shows drug treatments are successful in allowing people to avoid hospital treatment.

AO3: weakness
(expense)
->drug treatment for SZ is expensive, making it accessible only to those who can afford it
->therefore this treatment is not available to everyone with SZ

Question 3

para 3

Answer 3

AO1 - FGAs (part 2)
->chlorpromazine provides a calming effect and controls aggression, delusions & hallucinations.
->it is used in the long -term management of psychotic conditions, such as SZ

AO3: strength
(time)
->drugs provide rapid reduction in
symptoms, which helps when patients are distressed by their disorder and makes it an efficient method of treatment

AO3: weakness
(reason or mask?)
->drug treatment masks the symptoms of SZ rather than finding the cause
->this means that the symptoms will return once drug treatment stops
->the revolving-door phenomenon refers patients constantly being discharged & then readmitted.

Question 4

para 4

Answer 4

AO1 - SGAs (part 1)
->SGAS such as Clozapine (1960) have fewer side effects
->in some cases, scientists have no idea
how they work on the brain to reduce symptoms, but Kapur & Remington (2001) suggest that they temporarily bind with D2 receptors allowing for
normal dopamine activity
->SGAs primarily focus on positive symptoms, but can work on some negative symptoms too

AO3: strength
(application)
->drug treatment for SZ allows the patient to function as well as possible
in their life

AO3: weakness
(alt treatment)
-> ACT is a team directive programme which provides case management
of disorders such as SZ
->a newer version of CBT so it allows the patient to accept the disorder & learn how to cope with it
->this is a better treatment as it doesn’t just mask symptoms

Question 5

AO1 - SGAs (part 2)

Answer 5

->SGAs can be taken in tablet or syrup form.
->If a patient is at high risk of not taking their medication, injections are also available
->some patients take the meds for a short period of time & their symptoms stop, whereas others may require meds for the rest of their life