Biological Treatments of Schizophrenia – Drug Therapy: Typical & Atypical antipsychotics
Most common treatment is antipsychotic drugs
Short or long term, may be for life
Not a cure, only reduce symptoms so normal functioning can occur
positive symptoms are those in addition to normal experience eg hallucinations, delusions
negative symptoms are the absence of normal behaviour eg avolition (apathy), catatonic
Typical Anti-Psychotics
Chlorpromazine most common. Given in small amounts at first, slowly increased.
Tablets syrups, injection – some patients will have difficulty remembering to take tablets
Works as a dopamine antagonist – blocks dopamine receptors in the synapses of brain so reduces
the action of dopamine
Reduces positive symptoms such as auditory hallucinations and agitation.
Also works as a sedative, so can be used in hospitals to calm people down
Can get side effects such as tardive dyskinesia- a condition where there are uncontrollable facial
tics.
Atypical Anti-Psychotics (newer, aim to improve effectiveness and reduce side effects)
Clozapine
Binds to dopamine receptors, also acts on serotonin receptors.
Works on negative symptoms – enhances mood, reduces depression and anxiety
Can have serious side effects (but reduces the side effects associated with typical antipsychotics)
Used for high risk of suicide or patients with stubborn symptoms not helped by typical antipsychotics
Risperidone
Works like clozapine but without the serious side effects
Not widely used because very expensive
Most common treatment is antipsychotic drugs
Short or long term, may be for life
Not a cure, only reduce symptoms so normal functioning can occur
positive symptoms are those in addition to normal experience eg hallucinations, delusions
negative symptoms are the absence of normal behaviour eg avolition (apathy), catatonic
Typical Anti-Psychotics
Chlorpromazine most common. Given in small amounts at first, slowly increased.
Tablets syrups, injection – some patients will have difficulty remembering to take tablets
Works as a dopamine antagonist – blocks dopamine receptors in the synapses of brain so reduces
the action of dopamine
Reduces positive symptoms such as auditory hallucinations and agitation.
Also works as a sedative, so can be used in hospitals to calm people down
Can get side effects such as tardive dyskinesia- a condition where there are uncontrollable facial
tics.
Atypical Anti-Psychotics (newer, aim to improve effectiveness and reduce side effects)
Clozapine
Binds to dopamine receptors, also acts on serotonin receptors.
Works on negative symptoms – enhances mood, reduces depression and anxiety
Can have serious side effects (but reduces the side effects associated with typical antipsychotics)
Used for high risk of suicide or patients with stubborn symptoms not helped by typical antipsychotics
Risperidone
Works like clozapine but without the serious side effects
Not widely used because very expensive
