The use of anti-psychotics to treat schizophrenia and how they improve mental health

Question 1

What are anti psychotics and how are they taken ?

Answer 1

Anti-psychotic drugs are a type of medication that is available on prescription
and is used to treat mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and severe
depression. Anti-psychotics can be taken in different ways such as in liquid or
tablet form. They are also sometimes given as a long-acting injection.

Question 2

According to mental health charity Mind, there are

Answer 2

a number of theories as to
how anti-psychotics work.

Question 3

Types of anti-psychotics

Answer 3

There are two types of anti-psychotics: conventional and atypical.

Question 4

Conventional anti-psychotics

Answer 4

were first licensed for use in the 1950s. Among
the side effects are: tiredness, Tardive Dyskinesia (involuntary jerky movements
of the face or body), seizures and heart problems, neuro-muscular problems
(resembling symptoms of Parkinson’s disease including loss of movement and
trembling). Not everyone will experience side effects and some people will only
experience some of the side effects.

Question 5

Atypical anti-psychotics

Answer 5

were licensed for use in the 1990s. People who take
the atypical anti-psychotics are less likely to experience neuro-muscular side
effects but are more likely to experience rapid weight gain.

Question 6

side effects and how they act

Answer 6

Although there are a number of side effects of anti-psychotics which can have
a significant impact on the individual, they can reduce the severity of the
psychotic episode so that the individual is able to function within society.
Anti-psychotic drugs act by blocking some of the dopamine receptors, which stops
some of the chemical messages passing through the brain. By reducing the number
of messages, it is thought that this helps reduce the effects of the psychotic episode.

Question 7

Which symptoms of schizophrenia can they
help with?

Answer 7

According to Mind, all anti-psychotic drugs can help with the positive
symptoms of schizophrenia. However, only the atypical anti-psychotics can
also help with the negative symptoms of schizophrenia.