Biological Therapies for Schizophrenia

What are antipsychotics?

Drugs used to reduce the intensity of symptoms of psychotic conditions

What are typical antipsychotics?

The first generation of antipsychotics (1950s). They target dopamine reducing the positive symptoms of schizophrenia. Can produce movement side effects

How do typical antipsychotic drugs work?

Act as dopamine antagonists (works against dopamine) → they bind to dopamine receptors at the postsynaptic neurone and block the action of dopamine. They also work as a sedative - links to histamine receptors and reduce anxiety

What are the most common side-effects of typical antipschotics?

Dizziness, blank expression, restlessness, shuffled walking and agitation

Give an example of the severe side-effects of typical antipsychotics?

Movement problems, which resembles the features of the neurological disorder Parkinson’s disease.

Symptoms start gradually, sometimes starting with a barely noticeable tremor in just one hand

What can the long term use of antipsychotics lead to?

Tardive dyskinesia which is a condition where face, body or both make sudden, irregular movements which you cant control.

What is the most serious side effect of typical antipsychotics?

This only effects 0.1-2% and is a neuropetic malignant syndrome. This results in high temperature, delirium a coma and then death

What is the largest problem associated with side effects?

Non compliance

What is an example of a typical antipsychotic?

Chlorpromazine

What are atypical antipsychotics?

The second generation of antipsychotic drugs. They target dopamine and serotonin, reducing positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia

How do clozapine work?

Also acts as dopamine antagonists, but also block the action of serotonin. This helps improve mood and depression. It enhances cognitive functioning and is prescribes for those at risk of scuicide.

How does risperidone work?

I was produces as an alternative to Clozapine without the serious side effects

It binds strongly to dopamine and serotonin receptors and is effective in smaller doses than most other antipsychotics

What are 2 example of an atypical antipsychotic?

Clozapine and Risperidone

Which type of antipsychotic causes severe side effects?

Typical antipsychotics

How do atypical antipsychotics reduce side effects?

1. They only temporarily lock onto the dopamine receptors and then quickly dissociate to allow normal dopamine transmission = rapid dissociation

2. Atypical antipsychotics also have very little effect on the dopamine system that controls movement

3. This leads to lower movement side effects compared to typical antipsychotics