Drug therapy of schizophrenia

• What is the primary hypothesis related to dopamine in schizophrenia?

  The dopamine hypothesis suggests that schizophrenics have more dopamine released into the synapse.
• How do antipsychotic drugs help reduce symptoms in schizophrenia?

  They block dopamine receptors, preventing excessive dopamine from transmitting messages.
• What happens during a "normal" dopamine synaptic event?

  The presynaptic neuron releases an appropriate amount of dopamine that activates D2 receptors.
• What distinguishes an "excessive" dopamine synaptic event from a "normal" one?

  An excessive event involves the presynaptic neuron releasing much more dopamine than normal, leading to positive symptoms of schizophrenia.
• What is the effect of typical antipsychotic medications on symptoms of schizophrenia?

  They are effective at reducing positive symptoms but have little effect on negative symptoms.
• How do atypical antipsychotics differ from typical antipsychotics in terms of symptom reduction?

  Atypical antipsychotics reduce both positive and negative symptoms, while typical ones mainly reduce positive symptoms.
• What did Stroup et al (2015) find regarding clozapine's effectiveness?

  Clozapine was particularly effective in reducing hospital admissions and the amount of other medications needed.
• What was the relapse rate for patients taking antipsychotic medication compared to those on a placebo according to Leucht et al (2012)?

  Patients taking antipsychotic medication had a relapse rate of 27%, while those on placebo had a rate of 64%.
• What are some common negative side effects of antipsychotic medications?

  Common side effects include sedation, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, impotence, and dizziness.
• What is tardive dyskinesia?

  It is an involuntary movement of lips and tongue that can occur as a side effect of conventional antipsychotics.
• What are the main functions of antipsychotic medications in treating schizophrenia?

  • Block dopamine receptors to reduce symptoms
  • Help improve quality of life for individuals with schizophrenia
  • Reduce hospital admissions and medication needs
  • Lower relapse rates compared to placebo
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of typical and atypical antipsychotic medications?

  Strengths:

  • Typical: Effective for positive symptoms
  • Atypical: Effective for both positive and negative symptoms

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Typical: Limited effect on negative symptoms
  • Both: Common side effects, including tardive dyskinesia