Biological Therapies of Schizophrenia

Biological therapies for Schizophrenia (Sz)

ElectroConvulsive Therapy (ECT)

ECT involves passing a small electric current of 110mv through the brain lasting around a minute. This cause a seizure and convulsions

Therapy consists of 6-12 treatments several times a week

The patient is given general anaesthetic and muscle relaxation to reduce discomfort.

AO2

Effectiveness

J Tang- found that ECT worked well for patients who did not respond well to drug treatment

JTharyan & Adams- reviewed of 26 studies consisting of 798 participants. They found that more people improved in the group who received ECT compared to those who received a placebo treatment.

x- However, 50% of those who received ECT relapsed within 6 months.

Appropriateness

x- It is unethical in that it causes discomfort to the patient

J However it has been found to be no more dangerous than minor surgery under general anaesthetic. 

Drug Therapy (chemotherapy)

In the 1950s Chlorpromazine was discovered in alleviating symptoms of hallucinations and delusions…