biological therapies: drug therapy

• typical antipsychotic


  traditional anti psychotics such as chlopromazine
• chlorpromazine


  1950, taken daily maximum of 800mg as tablet, syrup and injection. works as antagonist in dopamine system which reduces action of neurotransmitter by blocking dopamine receptors which reduces action of dopamine which normalises neurological transmission in the brain reducing symptoms such as hallucination. can have a sedation effect which isn't fully understood.
• atypical antipsychotics


  second generation antipsychotics since 1970 to improve suppressing symptoms of psychosis and minimise side effects. clozapine and risperidone
• clozapine 


  developed in 1960s but safely used as treatment in 1980 after deaths of patients in 1970s. daily dosage of 300-450mg but not available as injection due to potentially fatal side effects. binds to dopamine receptors but also acts on serotonin and glutamate receptors. improves mood, reduces anxiety and cognitive functioning
• risperidone 


  1990s to produce drug as effective as clozapine but without side effects. daily dose of 4-8mg by tablet, syrup or injection. binds to dopamine receptors and serotonin receptors but binds more strongly so if more effective in smaller doses which means less side effects
• +Thorley: evidence that chlorpromazine has better overall functioning compared to placebo
• -unclear mechanism: understanding of antipsychotics are tied up in original dopamine hypothesis which we know isn't a complete explanation, questions effectiveness
• -side effects: typical antipsychotics have fatal side effects which can block dopamine action in hypothalamus
• -Healy: flaws in evidence as studies are short term, the calming effect may not also be reducing the severity of psychosis