Schizophrenia - Biological Therapies 


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  • Created by: calanna
  • Created on: 14-01-13 20:51
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  • Schizophrenia - Biological Therapies - AO1
    • Conventional antipsychotic drugs
      • Example - chlorpromazine
      • The basic mechanism of conventional antipsychotic drugs is to reduce the effects of dopamine, they are dopamine antagonists that bind to dopamine receptors (especially D2 receptors)
        • But rather then stimulating them it blocks action of the dopamine which can eliminate positive symptoms such as hallucinationsand delusions.
    • Atypical antipsychotic Drugs
      • Example - clomazine
      • These also act on dopamine system but are thought to act on serotonin receptors in the brain as well.
        • Kapur and Remington - however suggested that these drugs don't work on the serotonin system nor any other neurotransmitters, only the dopamine system.
          • They temporarily occupy the D2 dopamine receptors at thge synapse, then detatch themselves so that normal dopamine processes can occur. It is thought that this mechanism is responsible for the lower side effects
    • ECT- Electroconvulsive Therapy
      • A snall current of 0/6 amps is passed throught the brain for about half a second. This then causes a seizure which lasts for a round a minute.
        • ECT is usually given 3 times a week for around 5 weeks. Muscle relaxants and anaesthetic to calm the patient

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