Drug therapy

• Typical antipsychotics - chlorpromazine

  > First generation antipsychotics are dopamine antagonists

  > They reduce levels of dopamine in the brain

  > Chlorpromazine works by binding to the D2 receptors on post synaptic neurons in the brain reducing dopamine activity

  > Results in a reduction of positive symptoms such as hallucinations
• Atypical antipsychotics - Clozapine

  > Atypical antipsychotics act upon neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin

  > Clozapine also binds to D2 receptors on the post synaptic neuron, reducing positive symptoms such as hallucinations

  > They also act as agonists upon serotonin receptor sites (2A and 2C) to increase serotonin levels

  > This action reduces negative symptoms such as lack of emotions as it helps to improve mood and reduce anxiety and depression in patients
• Drug therapy AO3

  :) RTS effectiveness

  > Thornley found a meta-analysis of 13 studies investigating chlorpromazine against a placebo

  > Typical was associated with better overall functioning and reduced symptom anxiety

  > Supporting that antipsychotics are an effective treatment of schizophrenia
• Drug therapy AO3

  :) Require little motivation

  > Only has to take a tablet in order to reduce symptoms

  > Unlike CBT as the patient has to attend sessions and engage in them in order to challenge delusional thoughts

  > Therefore drug therapy may be more appropriate then CBT as it is a more accessible treatment
• Drug therapy AO3

  :( Can cause negative side effects

  > Typical antipsychotics can often produce movement side effects like parkinsonism, atypical antipsychotics can cause life-threatening illnesses (agranulocytosis)

  > Unlike CBT which challenges irrational thoughts without drugs

  > Therefore drug therapy may not be appropriate for all patients as the side effects reduce effectiveness