Biological therapy for schizophrenia

Typical antipsychotics:

• First generation drugs based on the dopamine hypothesis

• Blocks dopamine receptors to reduce dopamine (hyperdopaminergia)

Chlorpromazine (Typical):

• Binds to dopamine

• Reduces hallucinations

• Acts as a sedative

Atypical antipsychotics:

• Second generation drugs

• Minimal side effects

• Increase effectiveness

Clozapine (Atypical):

• Can lead to blood problems

• Given to patients with suicidal thoughts

• Acts on dopamine, serotonin and glutamate receptors

Risperidone (Atypical):

• Minimal side effects

• Binds to dopamine and serotonin receptors

• Binds more strongly to dopamine than clozapine

Support for effectiveness

Meltzer (2012) found that clozapine was 30-50% more effective than typical and other atypical antipsychotics. It is effective in 30-50% of treatment-resistant cases where typical antipsychotics have failed

Side effects

Can cause neuroleptic malignant syndrome which is fatal and can cause comas because they block dopamine receptors in the hypothalamus which is a vital part of bodily functioning.

Incomplete explanation

Tied to dopamine hypothesis (SZ symptoms are caused by high levels of dopamine in the subcortex). But it’s incomplete, some areas have too low dopamine levels.