Treatments of Schizophrenia- Biological Treatments Flashcards
What are the 2 types of antipsychotic drugs used to treat schizophrenia?
- Typical (1st generation)
- Atypical (modern)
What are 2 types of typical antipsychotic drugs?
- Chlorpromazine
- Haloperidol
What is the aim of typical antipsychotic drugs?
To antagonise (reduce) levels of dopamine in the brain
How do typical antipsychotic drugs act?
- Bind to D2 receptor sites
- This lowers the dopamine transmission and reduces some positive symptoms
- Approximately 60-75% of D2 receptors are blocked in the mesolimbic pathway
What are the side effects of typical antipsychotic drugs?
- Dopamine levels become too low due to D2 receptor sites being blocked
- Aggravates negative motor symptoms
What are 2 types of atypical antipsychotic drugs?
- Clozapine
- Olanazapine
What is the aim of atypical antipsychotic drugs?
To modulate levels of dopamine and serotonin within key dopamine pathways in the brain
How do atypical antipsychotic drugs act?
Regulate the functioning of dopamine and serotonin in several areas
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If the point is:
A strength of antipsychotic drugs as a treatment for schizophrenia is that there is research to support.
What is the evidence and link?
Evidence- Davis et al analysed the results of 29 studies with 3519 patients looking into the effectiveness of antipsychotics. They found that relapse occurred in 55% of patients whose antipsychotic drugs were replaced by a placebo, compared to just 19% who relapsed when they were still taking their antipsychotic medication.
Link- This may suggest that antipsychotic drugs benefit schizophrenia sufferers, as supported by research.
If the point is:
A weakness of antipsychotic drugs as a treatment for schizophrenia is that there is methodological issues.
What is the evidence and link?
Evidence- Ross and Read point out that the figures Davis found could be misleading, as they also indicate that 45% of those taking placebos did actually benefit from this. Likewise, of the 81% of those who benefited from the drug, the data suggests that a large number of these would have also benefited from a placebo.
Link- Therefore, we may question the effectiveness of drug treatment.
If the point is:
A weakness of antipsychotic drugs as a treatment for schizophrenia is that they aren’t completely effective in treating all individuals with schizophrenia.
What is the evidence and link?
Evidence- In a longitudinal study, Elesser discovered that antipsychotics shouldn’t be thought of as a cure, even though they can eliminate some symptoms and make psychotic experiences less intense and distressing. They don’t help everyone and rarely remove all symptoms. The more typical antipsychotics help about 65% of those treated whilst atypical drugs help about 85% of patients.
Link- This could imply that drug treatments should not be an automatic treatment and suggests that schizophrenia can be more complex.
If the point is:
A weakness of antipsychotic drugs as a treatment for schizophrenia is that they are mostly effective when they’re apart of a wider treatment option.
What is the evidence and link?
Evidence- The success of antipsychotics can be increased when combined with more traditional psychological therapies. The medication could suspend delusionary thoughts, allowing patients to address more cognitive and family issues related to the disorder though CBT, shown to increase effectiveness.
Link- This suggests that a more holistic approach to treating schizophrenia should be taken.
What are the evaluation points for antipsychotic drugs as a treatment for schizophrenia?
+ Research to support
— Methodological issues
— Not completely effective in treating all individuals with schizophrenia
— Effective as part of a wider treatment
