Biological Treatments

• Thornley reviewed data from 13 trials with a total of 1121 participants and found that Chlorpromazine was associated with better overall functioning and reduced symptom severity compared to a placebo. Data from 3 trials with 512 participants also showed that relapse rates were lower when Chlorpromazine was taken. 
• Meltzer found that Clozapine is effective in 30-50% of treatment where typical antipsychotics have failed. / Healy - patients are essentially sedated, there are confounding variables to consider when assessing the validity of effectiveness research. Patient's symptoms may be controlled not cured. 
• Side effects such as tardive dyskinesia, NMS, dizziness, weight gain, agranulocytosis. / Chemical cosh argument – chemical straightjackets - Deliberately calming/sedating a Sz patient to make them easier to manage in hospitals.
• Quicker, easier, less effort than CBT or family therapy. £9 per month vs £40-100 per session. / High dropout rates and requires monitoring from clinicians. E.g. regular blood tests to check for signs of agranulocytosis.