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Drug Therapies Book Notes - Coggle Diagram
Drug Therapies Book Notes
Typical Antipsychotics
They have been around since the 1950s and include chlorpromazine.
How they work
There is a strong association between the use of typical antipsychotics and the dopamine hypothesis.
They work by acting as antagonists in the dopamine system. Antagonists are chemicals which reduce the action of a neurotransmitter.
They do this by…
Blocking dopamine receptors in the synapse of the brain.
Initially they cause dopamine levels to build up but them the production is reduced.
Thus…
Reducing positive symptoms like hllunciations.
Chlorpromazine is used to calm patient snot only with schizophrenia but also with other conditions. This has often been done when patients are very anxious.
Atypical
Clozapine
It was developed in the 70s but was withdrawn due to deaths from the conditions called agranulocytosis. It was brought back because it was found to be more effective than typical drugs and it proved effective for patients who didn’t response to other treatments. However, regular blood tests must be taken.
How does it work
Clozapine bind to receptors but also acts on serotonin and glutamate receptors.
This helps to improve mood and reduce depression and anxiety.
Therefore, it is often prescribed to patients were a considered at high risk of suidie. This is important as around 30-50% of people suffering from schizophrenia attempt sucide at some point.
Risperidone
Been around since the 1990s. It was developed in an attempt to produce a drug as effective as clozapine but without its serious side effects.
Reisperidone is believed to bind to dopamine and serotonin receptor.
There is some evidence to suggest that this leads to fewer side effects than is typical for antipsychotics.
Evualtion
They are effective
They are cheap to produce, easy to administer and have a positive effect on the lives of many suffers.
However,
They are not a cure rather just hinder the schizophrenic symptoms.
Being easy to administer sis very important as other treatments like CBThas a long weighting list and is not as rapid as effective government.
Kahn et al 2008
He found that antipsychotics were only generally effective for at least a year. He also found that second gen drugs were no different to first gen drugs.
Ethical issues
Antipsychotics are a calming drug. Therefore, used in situations other than having schizophrenia. However, they are used in hospital and sometimes in situations that are to benefit the staff rather than the patients. This raises ethical issues of the usage of such drugs.
Improving
These drugs can offer an enchanced quality of life. They can give patients independence.
This is a postive imapct on the condo my as they can return to work and no longer need institutional care.
Side effects
There are long term side effects like tardive dyskinesia. This manifests it self in involuntary facial movements, this can be very distressing for individuals who have already been through so much.
Often costs can outright the gains.