Treatment Sz DRUG THERAPY

Question 1

Antipsychotics
AO1
Intro

Answer 1

-most common treatment for sz
-2 types of of anti-psychotic drugs
Typical nd Atypical
- typical anti-psychotic used more often
-if symptoms don’t improve then atypical antipsychotic maybe used

Question 2

Typical antipsychotic

Answer 2

*CHLORPROMAZINE 1st generation
-dopamine antagonists, reduce levels of dopamine activity in brain

-chlorpromazine works by binding the D2 receptors on post synaptic neurons in brain reducing action of dopamine

-reduces dopamine activity level nd results in a reduction of positive symptoms of sz such as hallucinations

-also used as sedative nd can be used to calm patients

Question 3

ATYPICAL antipsychotic

Answer 3

*CLOZAPINE 2nd generation
-act upon neurotransmitters dopamine AND seratonin

-clozapine also binds to D2 dopamine receptor sites on post-synaptic Neuron, reducing positive symptoms e.g hallucinations

-act as agonists upon seratonin receptor sites to inc levels of seratonin

• action reduces negative symptoms e.g lack of emotions as it helps improve mood nd reduze depression nd anxiety in pt

Question 4

AO2
INTRO

Answer 4

Atypical antipsychotic (clozapine) have fewer side effects than typical
-As have less actions on the dopamine system

Question 5

Outline the diff between typical nd Atypical antipsychotic?

Answer 5

Atypical (clozapine) used to treat both positive nd negative symptoms of sz as act both dopamine nd seratonin
WHEREAS
Typical antipsychotic (chlorpromazine) only treat positive symptoms
Only act upon dopamine

Question 6

AO3 limitation

Answer 6

P-weakness can cause side effects

E-typical antipsychotic like CHLORPROMAZINE can produce movement side effects like Parkinsonism. Atypical carry risk of agranulocytosis, life threatening cond involving reduce white blood cell count

E-unlike CBT which involves identifying nd challenging irrational thoughts without use of drugs so there is no neg nd life threatening side effects

L- therefore drug therapy may not be appropriate for all pt side effects reduce effectiveness of drug therapy as treatment of sz

Question 7

Strength AO3

Answer 7

P- require little motivation from pt

E-only take tablet to reduce symptoms, unlike CBT= requires motivation must attend sessions to identify nd challenge irrational thoughts such as delusions.

E-diff for pt with sz as they may not have accurate perception of reality, benefit for those with neg symp= AVOLITION, struggle with keeping up with everyday task as they receive. Immediate positive effect on symptoms.

L-therefore drug therapy more app than CBT coz it’s more accessible treatment across symptoms.