Topic Four: Biological Therapies

What are the two types of antipsychotics given

Typical antipsychotics and atypical antipsychotics

What are typical antipsychotics?

The first generation of antipsychotics developed during the 1950s

What are atypical antipsychotics?

Newer generation of antipsychotics developed during the 1970s and later

What are antipsychotic drugs?

They are ‘antagonist’ drugs, they block the action of neurotransmitters

What do antipsychotic drugs do?

Block all dopamine receptors

What are the potential issues with taking typical antipsychotics?

Could lead to increase in negative symptoms

What do atypical antipsychotics do?

Only attach to specific D2 dopamine receptors

Dissipate more rapidly that typical drugs

Act on other receptors, such as serotonin and glutamate - linked with reduction of depression and anxiety

Why are atypical antipsychotics used more than typical antipsychotics?

They produce fewer side effects

Outline Hill (1986)

Tardive dyskonesia 30% incidence as side effect of conventional antipsychotics

Irreversible in 75% of these cases

What is tardive dykonesia?

Involuntary movement of lips and tongue

Evaluate the biological therapies of schizophrenia

Research support - Thornley et al.

Serious side effects - ranges from mild (sleepiness and stiff jaw) to serious (tardive dyskinesia) - occasionally fata (neuroleptic malignant syndrome affects hypothalamus)

Mechanism unclear - most based on dopamine hypothesis which may be incorrect - theoretically shouldn’t work

Outline the findings of Thornley et al.

Chlorpromazine more effective than placebo, with reduced symptom severity

Over 1000 participants

Give an example of a typical antipsychotic drug

ChlorpromazineG

Give examples of atypical antipsychotics

Clozapine and Risperidone