drug treatments

• Psychopharmacology is the study of the effect that drugs have on treating mental disorders, which may come from natural sources, such as plants or animals, but also artificial sources such as chemicals
• antipsychotics work by altering the effect, a chemical has in the brain such as dopamine. dopamine is linked to pleasure and reward such as enjoyment from stealing so when dopamine receptors are blocked, these sensations are lowered
• reduced dopamine activity means less activity in the mesolimbic pathway and a decrease in positive symptoms of schizophrenia
• clozapine is a second generation antipsychotic which treats schizophrenia by blocking dopamine and serotonin and treats both negative and positive symptoms. the initial dose is 12.5mg but this can be gradually increased to 900mg
• usefulness


  Can address criminal and violent behaviour across a range of mental issues, such as schizophrenia and ADHD

  It can be prescribed to teens and adults, though there is a risk of overprescribing, especially with young people who may not qualify an actual diagnosis

  Adherence to medication is also a big issue
• effectiveness


  Sounds to effectively reduce violent crimes amongst the prison population. For example, researchers found that there was a 45% reduction in violent crimes when prescribed to patient either in or out of prison.

  The research only looks at violent crimes amongst the mentally ill and other crimes aren’t considered
• practicalities


  Psychopharmacologist must be skilled in building therapeutic alliances with the patient or criminal

  Concerns of the severity of side effects, which may lead to resisting medication

  Research found 74% discontinuation rate amongst offender