Schizophrenia 4- drug therapy

What is drug therapy used for in schizophrenia?

Drug therapy is used to reduce symptoms of schizophrenia by altering neurotransmitter activity in the brain, mainly dopamine. It aims to manage symptoms rather than cure the disorder.

What are antipsychotic drugs?

Antipsychotics are drugs used to treat schizophrenia by reducing dopamine activity in the brain, particularly in dopamine pathways linked to psychotic symptoms.

What are typical (first-generation) antipsychotics?

Typical antipsychotics, such as chlorpromazine, primarily act as dopamine antagonists and mainly reduce positive symptoms of schizophrenia.

How do typical antipsychotics work?

They block dopamine D2 receptors in the brain, reducing dopamine activity and therefore decreasing hallucinations and delusions.

Example of a typical antipsychotic

Chlorpromazine.

What symptoms are typical antipsychotics most effective at treating?

Positive symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions.

What are atypical (second-generation) antipsychotics?

Atypical antipsychotics, such as clozapine, target dopamine and serotonin receptors and are effective for both positive and negative symptoms.

How do atypical antipsychotics work?

They act on dopamine receptors more selectively and also affect serotonin levels, which may improve mood and reduce negative symptoms.

Example of an atypical antipsychotic

Clozapine.

Why is clozapine considered different from typical antipsychotics?

Clozapine has fewer motor side effects and is effective in treatment-resistant schizophrenia but requires regular blood monitoring.

One advantage of drug therapy for schizophrenia

Drugs are effective at reducing positive symptoms, allowing many patients to function better in everyday life.

AO3: Evidence supporting effectiveness of antipsychotics

Studies show that antipsychotics significantly reduce symptom severity compared to placebo, supporting their effectiveness in treating schizophrenia.

AO3: Economic advantage of drug therapy

Drug therapy is cost-effective compared to psychological therapies because it requires less professional time and fewer resources.

AO3: Reduction of hospitalisation

Antipsychotics can reduce the need for long-term hospitalisation, allowing patients to live in the community.

AO3: Side effects of typical antipsychotics

Typical antipsychotics can cause severe side effects such as extrapyramidal symptoms (tremors, rigidity) and tardive dyskinesia.

AO3: Side effects of atypical antipsychotics

Atypical antipsychotics can cause weight gain, diabetes, and in the case of clozapine, agranulocytosis (dangerous drop in white blood cells).

AO3: Ethical issue with drug therapy

Serious side effects raise ethical concerns, as patients may be harmed by the treatment meant to help them.

AO3: Compliance issue in drug therapy

Patients may stop taking medication due to side effects, leading to relapse and reduced effectiveness of treatment.

AO3: Symptom vs cause criticism

Drug therapy treats symptoms but does not address the underlying cause of schizophrenia, meaning it is not a cure.

AO3: Social control criticism

Antipsychotics may be used to control patients’ behaviour rather than benefit them, raising concerns about social consequences.