A level Psychology

Evaluations for Schizophrenia

Strength

Strong Evidence for Effectiveness
P- Antipsychotics effective in reducing symptoms
E- Typical and Atypical drugs reduce Positive symptoms
E-Blocking Dopamine reduces hallucinations and delusions
L- Drug therapy = valid treatment

Strength 2

Strength 2
P- Drug therapy allows patients to engage with treatment
E- Reduced psychosis = CBT allowed and family therapy
E- Stabilisation improves functioning
L-Gives practical benefits / treatment plans increasing effectiveness

Limitation

Limitation 1
P- Severe Side effects from Antipsychotics
E- Patients develop Tardive dyskinesia
E- Less compliance in taking medication from patients / relapse risk
L-Limited long term effectiveness

Limitations 2

P- Antipsychotics don't address the causes of the symptoms
E- Dopamine is blocked but the biological stressor is ignored
E-Biological vulnerability remains
L- Requires combined treatment and relapse is very likely without the additional medication