biological treatment - antipsychotics

• based on the belief that neurotransmitter functioning issues causes schizophrenia so drug treatments modifying these level would alleviate symptoms
• they block dopamine by occupying the postsynaptic receptor site which reduces activity in the mesolimbic pathway and decreases positive symptoms of schizophrenia
• 1st generation antipsychotics - typical antipsychotics

  1950s tranquilisers to calm patients down

  reduced positive symptom not negative ones
• 2nd generation - atypical antipsychotic

  acts more gradually and prevents positive and negative symptoms

  build up slowly in the brain so the patient has to take the medication over several weeks
• leuchets


  116 studies reviewed - 6000 patients with schizophrenia

  antipsychotics reduced rate of relapse of schizophrenia by 27% in a year compared to 64% taking placebos

  fewer hospital admissions, better quality of life and fewer aggressive acts
• stoup


  clozapine is the most effective antipsychotic in reducing hospital admissions and reducing the use of other medication

  could create better health prospects for the patient, peace of mind for the family, fewer expenses for medical staff and could lead to integration into society
• practicality


  limited by side effects

  extrapyramidal - tremors, spasms, jerky movements, slow movements, restlessness

  leads to reduced adherence to medication
• heres / luchet


  up to 75% of patients had not adhered to their medical regime within two years