18339161
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Mind Map by Katie Greensted, updated more than 1 year ago
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Created by Katie Greensted
over 5 years ago
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Evaluation: Drug Treatments for
Schizophrenia
- Drugs used to treat schizophrenia
are antipsychotics, which act as
dopamine antagonists by blocking
dopamine receptors and therefore
reduces the level of dopamine in the
brain as high levels are implicated
with schizophrenia, as explained in
the dopamine hypothesis.
- The drug treatment approach to schizophrenia is
a scientific approach based on secure biological
evidence (the dopamine hypothesis which is
underpinned by theory). This is a strength as it
means it is a credible treatment.
- Due to its credibility, it is a widely
accepted form of treatment and it has
been found that 80% of people find the
use of antipsychotics a useful treatment.
- Due to its credibility, it is a widely
accepted form of treatment and it has
been found that 80% of people find the
use of antipsychotics a useful treatment.
- The drug treatment approach to schizophrenia is
a scientific approach based on secure biological
evidence (the dopamine hypothesis which is
underpinned by theory). This is a strength as it
means it is a credible treatment.
- Two different types of
antipsychotics are used. Typical
drugs are older, such as
Chlorpromazine, and affect only
dopamine. Atypical drugs are
newer, such as Clozapine, and
acts on serotonin as well as
dopamine.
- Some people argue that drug treatment is a
'pharmacological straight jacker' and is not person
centred. In other words, the drugs only serve to
alleviate or mask the symptoms of sz rather than cure
it. Furthermore, the treatment neglects important
psychological or social factors that may contribute to
the development of the disorder.
- Kuyken et al supports this idea, as results of
their study showed that whilst drugs do
generally improve the patient's situation,
they are less effective than when used along
side a person centred therapy, such as
cognitive-behavioural therapy.
- Kuyken et al supports this idea, as results of
their study showed that whilst drugs do
generally improve the patient's situation,
they are less effective than when used along
side a person centred therapy, such as
cognitive-behavioural therapy.
- Some people argue that drug treatment is a
'pharmacological straight jacker' and is not person
centred. In other words, the drugs only serve to
alleviate or mask the symptoms of sz rather than cure
it. Furthermore, the treatment neglects important
psychological or social factors that may contribute to
the development of the disorder.
- By blocking neurotransmitters such
as dopamine, the drugs aim to
reduce positive symptoms of
schizophrenia, such as
hallucinations. Atypical drugs also
help reduce the impacts of negative
symptoms of schizophrenia.
- Although the drugs do help reduce the symptoms of sz, they have
their own unpleasant side effects. For example, an individual may
face dry mouth, drowsiness, weight gain or loss, or, on a more
serious scale, they may develop side effects similar to the
symptoms of Parkinson's disease. This means that although the
drugs 'solve' one problem, they may cause other ones.
- However, the newer, atypical drugs are less
likely to produce the more serious side
effects than the older, typical drugs, and
therefore it may be argued that facing
less-serious side effects such as weight gain
is worth it for reducing symptoms of sz like
hallucinations and delusions.
- Side effects may also mean that the
individual can no longer bring themselves to
take the drug, and therefore may result in a
relapse. The relapse rate is 70% in the first
year after discharge if the individual stops
taking medication, which is said to be likely
due to the side effects of the drugs.
- However, the newer, atypical drugs are less
likely to produce the more serious side
effects than the older, typical drugs, and
therefore it may be argued that facing
less-serious side effects such as weight gain
is worth it for reducing symptoms of sz like
hallucinations and delusions.
- Furthermore, people may become dependent
on these drugs and therefore become
addicted. This could result in issues further
down the line, as well as the individual having
to deal with huge withdrawal effects when
the drug is removed.
- Although the drugs do help reduce the symptoms of sz, they have
their own unpleasant side effects. For example, an individual may
face dry mouth, drowsiness, weight gain or loss, or, on a more
serious scale, they may develop side effects similar to the
symptoms of Parkinson's disease. This means that although the
drugs 'solve' one problem, they may cause other ones.
- Clinicians will adjust the
dosage of the drugs so it is
tailored to that individual. The
drugs are prescribed but close
monitoring is necessary to
ensure that the individual is
responding well to the drugs.
- There is a time delay between administration of drugs and
benefits. This is because it is time consuming to find the
right dosage for that individual, and this may be subject to
changed based on changes in the individual's lifestyle. As
this is a time-consuming process, some people may argue
that it is a weakness of the therapy.
- However, this process ensures that the individual is
getting the best treatment for them in terms of
drug treatment. Furthermore, it keeps them out of
hospital and integrated into society, which is a
benefit as it reduces the cost for hospitalisation,
keeps resources free for those who really need it,
and is good for the individual as they remain a
functioning part of society.
- However, this process ensures that the individual is
getting the best treatment for them in terms of
drug treatment. Furthermore, it keeps them out of
hospital and integrated into society, which is a
benefit as it reduces the cost for hospitalisation,
keeps resources free for those who really need it,
and is good for the individual as they remain a
functioning part of society.
- There is a time delay between administration of drugs and
benefits. This is because it is time consuming to find the
right dosage for that individual, and this may be subject to
changed based on changes in the individual's lifestyle. As
this is a time-consuming process, some people may argue
that it is a weakness of the therapy.
- The drugs are usually
taken in tablet or syrup
form, but may be
injected by the clinician
if required.
- It is difficult to ensure that the individual is
taking their medication, particularly because it is
typically self-administered in tablet or syrup
form. If the individual is still suffering from
schizophrenic symptoms, they may not take the
drugs, reducing the effectiveness of them.
- Research has suggested that
approximately 50% of those with
schizophrenia stop taking the
drugs that they were prescribed.
- Research has suggested that
approximately 50% of those with
schizophrenia stop taking the
drugs that they were prescribed.
- It is difficult to ensure that the individual is
taking their medication, particularly because it is
typically self-administered in tablet or syrup
form. If the individual is still suffering from
schizophrenic symptoms, they may not take the
drugs, reducing the effectiveness of them.
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