Biological therapy

• Biological therapy for SZ-

  Antipsychotics-

  • Reduce the symptoms intensity
  • Focused on positive symptoms
  • Typical = CHLORPROMAZINE
  • Atypical = CLOZAPINE / RISPERIDONE - + negative symptoms
  • Methods: tablet, syrup, injections (2-4 weeks)
• Biological therapy for SZ-

  Chlorpromazine - 400-800mg

  • antagonist - decreases dopamine levels
  • blocks receptor cites (synapses) - binding to the post synaptic neurone
  • production is increased before its reduced
  • works as a sedative = chemical straight jacket
  • SIDE EFFECTS: dizzy, weight gain, uncontrollable facial movements, 0.1-2% risk of a coma then death (blocked hypothalamus = shut down to death)
• Biological therapy for SZ-

  Clozapine - 400mg

  • Antagonist - blocks dopamine, serotonin, glutamate receptors in the synapse (co-morbidity - depression, anxiety)
  • Improves mood and cognitive functions - reduces suicide risk
  • SIDE EFFECTS: blood disorder - regular blood tests
• Biological therapy for SZ -

  Risperidone - 4mg

  • antagonist to dopamine + serotonin receptors
  • smaller dosage = no real side effects
  • better at binding to receptor cites
• Biological therapy of SZ-

  Evaluations-

  W- not a cure, just reduced symptoms

  W- Clozapine cant be injected - limiting

  W- over-exaggerated + only short term effects

  S- easy for the NHS + economy

  W- involves commitment and trust - may be difficult

  W- patients may not understand the full side effects/commitment

  S- Thornley - met-analysis of 13 trials, Chlorpromazine was more effective than the placebo

  W/S- Meltcer - Clozapine was effective after Chlorpromazine failed