A01- Biological Therapies

• Drug therapies

  Anti-psychotic drugs are the most common treatment for schiz. Can be taken as syrup, tablet and injections every 2-4 weeks.
• Short vs long term use of antipsychotics.

  Some people may require anti-psychotics for the rest of their lives due to reccurence of schiz but some patients can use anti-psychotic drugs only temporarily.
• Typical anti-psychotics

  Used since the 1950's. Includes Chlorpromazine and can be taken as tablets/syrup/injection for positive symptoms of schiz.
• Chlorpromazine dosage

  1000mg is the maximum dosage but initial dosages are much smaller and for most individuals, dosage generally increased throughout. But over the last 50 years, recommended dosages have decreased.
• Chlorpromazine and dopamine

  Strong correlation between use of typical anti-psychotics and dopaine hypothesis. Chlorpromazine acts as an atagonist in the dopine system.
• Chemical antagonist

  Antagonists are chemicals which decrease the action of the neurotransmitter. Dopamine antagonists block and therefore balance the dopamine receptors in the synapses of the brain reducing action of dopamine. Dopamine-antagonist effect reduces symptoms like hallucinations.
• Other uses for chlorpromazine

  Can also be a sedative. Related to its effect on the histamine receptors and it can be used to calm people with schizophrenia and other conditions. E.g: People first admitted to hospitals and very anxious patients.
• Atypical antipsychotics

  Used since 1970s and their aim was to improve the effectiveness of drugs in suppressing symptoms of schiz and minimising side effects.
• Clozapine

  Developed in 1960s and trialled in 1970s but temporarily withdrawn due to agranulocytosis created in some patients (blood condition). But in 1980s, it was found to be more effect than typical anti-psychs and thus still used today.
• Clozapine dosage and use

  Not widely available as an injection due to risk on blood. Dose lower than chlorpromazine, typically 300-450mg a day. Used for both positive and negative symptoms of schiz.
• Other uses for clozapine

  Binds to dopamine, serotonin and glutamate receptors and therefore also helps to improve mood and cognitive functioning whilst reducing depression. Sometimes prescribed to suicidal patients who are 30-50% of those with schiz.
• Risperidone

  Developed in 1990s. Attempted to be as effective as clozapine but with less side effects. Taken in tablet/ injection/ syrup form that lasts around 2 weeks. Used for both positive and negative symptoms of schiz.
• Risperidone dosage

  Small dose of 4-8mg required daily. Maximum dosage is 12mg. Binds to dopamine and serotonin receptors. Risperidone binds to dopamine more strongly than clozapine and thus is effective in much smaller doses than most anti-psychs.