drug therapy

• What are drugs that treat psychotic illnesses called?

  Antipsychotics
• How are antipsychotics usually prescribed?

  Through tablets, intravenous means, or both
• What hypothesis is the treatment of antipsychotics based on?

  The dopamine hypothesis
• Why might some people need to take antipsychotics for life?

  They may experience chronic symptoms requiring ongoing treatment
• How can antipsychotics be categorized?

  Into typical and atypical drugs
• When were typical antipsychotics developed?

  In the 1950s
• What symptoms do typical antipsychotics primarily combat?

  The positive symptoms of schizophrenia
• What is the basic function of chlorpromazine?

  To reduce the effects of dopamine
• How do dopamine antagonists work?

  By binding to but not stimulating receptors
• What do dopamine antagonists block in the brain?

  Dopamine receptors, particularly D2 receptors
• What happens to dopamine levels when someone starts taking chlorpromazine?

  Dopamine levels initially build up, then reduce
• What symptoms can antipsychotic drugs eliminate?

  Hallucinations and delusions
• When have atypical antipsychotics been used?

  Since the 1970s
• What was the aim of developing atypical antipsychotics?

  To improve effectiveness and minimize side effects
• What symptoms do atypical antipsychotics combat?

  Both positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia
• How do atypical antipsychotics differ in their action compared to typical ones?

  They also block serotonin and glutamate receptors
• What is believed to be a benefit of atypical antipsychotics on mood?

  They may improve mood and reduce anxiety
• How do drugs like clozapine interact with D2 receptors?

  They temporarily occupy and then dissociate
• What is a major difference in side effects between typical and atypical antipsychotics?

  Atypicals have less risk of motor function side effects
• What is tardive dyskinesia?

  A side effect causing involuntary movements
• What is a limitation of atypical antipsychotics compared to typical ones?

  Atypicals can be associated with diabetes
• What is a significant issue with drug treatment for schizophrenia?

  They treat symptoms but not the cause
• What is the 'revolving door phenomenon' in schizophrenia treatment?

  Patients stop medication and relapse frequently
• What is a strength of drug therapy for schizophrenia?

  It is effective in reducing symptoms
• Why are antipsychotic drugs considered cost-effective?

  They are relatively cheap to produce
• What is a limitation regarding our understanding of antipsychotics?

  We do not know why they work effectively
• What has been discovered about the dopamine hypothesis?

  It is not a complete explanation for schizophrenia
• What is the implication of low dopamine levels in parts of the brain?

  Most antipsychotics should not work effectively