Biological: Drug Therapy - Antipsychotics: Antipsychotic drugs work by blocking dopamine receptors. They help sedate the person and reduce the intensity and frequency of hallucinations and delusions. They are most effective when given at the onset of schizophrenia. There are two main types of antipsychotic drugs: Typical – these are older and more established however produce more side effects; Atypical – these are newer drugs which have fewer side effects. Patients are given one drug at a time however other drugs such as anti-depressants can be used alongside antipsychotics.
Strengths
Emsley found patients who injected the antipsychotic drug risperidone early into their treatment had high remission rates and low relapse rates. 84% of patients had a 50% reduction in positive symptoms and 64% of patients over 2 years went into remission
Drugs are more ethical than treatments used previously such as ECT
No need to be institutionalised, can be used in the home alongside other therapies
Weaknesses
Side effects
30% of patients do not respond to treatment
May lead to dependence – need to continue taking
Revolving door – not taking antipsychotics could lead to relapse and hospitalisation.
Non compliance – Rosa found only 50% of patients comply
Treats symptoms but may not treat the cause
Better at dealing with positive rather than negative symptoms
Needs to be monitored e.g. dosage
If injections are given, this could be seen as a form of control and taking away individual rights
Strengths
Emsley found patients who injected the antipsychotic drug risperidone early into their treatment had high remission rates and low relapse rates. 84% of patients had a 50% reduction in positive symptoms and 64% of patients over 2 years went into remission
Drugs are more ethical than treatments used previously such as ECT
No need to be institutionalised, can be used in the home alongside other therapies
Weaknesses
Side effects
30% of patients do not respond to treatment
May lead to dependence – need to continue taking
Revolving door – not taking antipsychotics could lead to relapse and hospitalisation.
Non compliance – Rosa found only 50% of patients comply
Treats symptoms but may not treat the cause
Better at dealing with positive rather than negative symptoms
Needs to be monitored e.g. dosage
If injections are given, this could be seen as a form of control and taking away individual rights