Application

• Electro-convulsive therapy (to treat schizophrenia) is where electrodes are placed on the same or both sides of the head, and then a brief electrical stimulus is delivered to an anaesthetised patient causing a seizure. The therapeutic mechanism is unknown, but decreased blood flow and decreased metabolism in the temporal lobes affect immediate responses. The therapy alters neurochemical levels (including dopamine) and also reduces the severity of any underlying affective symptoms.
• Psychosurgery techniques (to treat schizophrenia) such as lobotomies have been used historically. These involved cutting most of the neural connections to the frontal cortex, causing emotional blunting and reducing spontaneity and responsiveness.
• Drug therapy (chemotherapy) is the main treatment for schizophrenia and is based on that chemical imbalance is at the root of the problem. Antipsychotics are used to reduce the effects of dopamine and work by blocking D2 receptors.

  Typical antipsychotics (first generation), e.g. chlorpromazine, block D2 receptors in several brain areas and mainly focus on positive symptoms like auditory hallucinations.

  Atypical antipsychotics, e.g. risperidone have less action on D2 receptors but also reduce serotonin activity so work on negative symptoms too e.g. avolition.
• Drug therapy is most effective at reducing positive symptoms of schizophrenia. This means that patients can live a better life, contribute to society, and improve their ability to function adequately. Drug therapy is the most widely used treatment for schizophrenia and it commonly used alongside other treatments like therapy.
• Drug therapy may be seen as inappropriate due to the harmful side effects like; slurred speech, shakiness and stiffness. Clinical trials have shown that nearly 2/3 people stop taking medication because of the side effects leading to "revolving door" phenomenon.