Describe and Evaluate at Least Two Biological Treatments for Schizophrenia

As we have seen, treatment of schizophrenia with antipsychotic drugs can have impressive results in terms of decreasing active symptoms, although it does nothing to alleviate negative symptoms or to improve cognitive functioning. Unfortunately, this kind of treatment has the drawback of extremely serious and even fatal side-effects. Newer generation atypical antipsychotics offer more hope, as they can treat both active and negative symptoms, and also improve cognitive functioning. Moreover, they have fewer side-effects. However, treatment is complicated by the fact that results are unpredictable; and in addition the side-effects that they do have can be very serious, such as diabetes, which in itself is life-threatening. However, as the potential side-effects are known, the physician has leeway to choose a drug which is a good match for the patient’s clinical profile. Then, once the patient’s symptoms have been much alleviated with an appropriate newer generation atypical antipsychotic, the patient should be able to also benefit from a range of psychotherapeutic interventions. It is argued that this is the best treatment regime to choose, as it is likely to result in the greatest improvement in quality of life, coupled with the lowest risk of potentially devastating side-effects, or of death. This is likely to be better than utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy, the results of which are not reliably known – although research has certainly shown that it is less efficacious

Much of the controversy surrounding this topic revolves around its effectiveness vs. the side effects, and the recent increase in ECT as a quick and easy solution, instead of long-term psychotherapy or hospitalization. Because of the concern about permanent memory loss and confusion related to ECT treatment, some researchers recommend that the treatment only be used as a last resort. It is also unclear whether or not ECT is effective. However, other studies indicate that the relapse rate is high, even for patients who take medication after ECT. Some researchers insist that no study proves that ECT is effective for more than four weeks.

The first argument for the use of ECT is the fact that majority of studies and modern literature show that this treatment is very successful in treating many psychological disorders. Evidence seems strongest for the efficacy in severely depressed patients, as well as manic patients (Reisner, 2003). When looking at those with major depression, the likelihood of substantial improvement ranges from 80-90% (Weiner & Krystal, 1994). In manic patients, Gabbard concludes that 80% of patients show “marked improvement” (2001, p.1272).

Schizophrenia is a type of brain disorder that has been the center of attention in the past decade. Schizophrenia is such a complex disorder, its exact pathophysiology is unknown. Studies illustrated that neural circuits, functional deficits and the dysregulation of multiple pathways on different points of the brain all contribute to the pathophysiology of this disorder [1]. Strong evidence suggests the interaction of dopaminergic, GABAergic, glutamatergic, and cholinergic neurotransmitter systems play a role in the pathophysiology of this disorder [2]. For several decades, Involvement of dopamine neurotransmitter (DA), has dominated schizophrenia theories. However, it can’t explain the biological bases needed

In conclusion, schizophrenia cannot be cured, but researchers and medical personnel have encountered other ways to improve many of the symptoms and problems associated with the illness. The use of medications such as antipsychotics drugs and psychotherapy help reduce the symptoms in some patients, although they do not restore the normal functioning. Having a predisposition, chemical imbalances, stress and or alcohol or drug use does not make anyone have a guaranteed development of the disease. Knowledge about this mental health illness is important to recognize it and to cope with it.

Goals of treatment and recovery of schizophrenia are to reduce or stop symptoms, reduce the number of relapses, and develop a plan to help with relationships with the outside world. Medicine can help your symptoms, along with extensive therapy. But if medicine doesn't help, one's doctor may suggest electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), in which the doctor uses electricity to cause a brief and mild seizure, which may help change your brain chemistry and symptoms. Also, if one struggles with alcohol, drugs, or tobacco, or have other mental health problems, you have to treat them as well. Treatment also usually lasts a long time,

Treatment is generally multifaceted, incorporating pharmacological, psychological, and rehabilitative approaches (Nevid et al. 424). Although an important element, medication is far from the only treatment used to treat schizophrenic patients. Many patients opt for supplemental therapies (these can include psychosocial or cognitive therapy, rehabilitation day programs, peer support groups, nutritional supplements, etc.) to use in conjunction with their medications (“Schizophrenia”). In some of the most severe cases, patients respond to electroconvulsive therapy or transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). These additional treatments can be essential for a full recovery, although medications have been found to be the best tool for controlling symptoms. Some of the traditional antipsychotic medications used to treat schizophrenia are: Stelazine (Trifuloperazine), Flupenthixol (Fluanxol), Loxapine (Loxapac, Loxitane), Perphenazine (Etrafon, Trilafon), Chlorpromazine (Thorazine), Haldol (Haloperidol), and Prolixin (Fluphenazine Decanoate, Modecate, Permitil) (“Schizophrenia”). Although great progress has been made through the usage of these medications while attempting to treat schizophrenia, newer “atypical” antipsychotic medications (also called second-generation antipsychotics) are available, and have had favorable outcomes. Some of the more recent and more popular medications include:

According to book on Schizophrenia by Heather Barnett Veague (2007), studies show schizophrenia is such a debilitating disorder. It leads to relationship problems, homelessness, debt, alcohol abuse, drug abuse or even suicide. There is no cure for schizophrenia, but it is very treatable and manageable. There are medication and therapy, which can help the patient overcome their disorder. The two most common medications are typical antipsychotic, also known as first-generation antipsychotic and atypical antipsychotic, also known as second-generation antipsychotic. Typical antipsychotic medication was the first designed to treat schizophrenia and the most effective in treating positive symptoms (hallucinations, delusions) and unsuccessful in treating

Antipsychotics are used to manage symptoms of psychiatric disorder such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, and many others by blocking type 2 dopamine receptor (D2) in the dopamine pathway of the brain.6 There are two main types of antipsychotics; typical antipsychotics and atypical antipsychotics, which is also known

The biological approach asserts that something in our biology is the fundamental cause of dysfunctional behaviour which could be a genetic cause or a malfunction of brain structures. Although it is seen as the most common explanation for schizophrenia due to the use of drug therapy, it would be deterministic and reductionist to explain schizophrenia only with the biological approach since there are other numerous factors such as the ones related to the cognitive explanation or other environmental causes. Also, even within the biological approach, there are various different biological factors that cause conflict with each other, e.g. genetic tendency, the dopamine hypothesis (a chemical issue), innate brain structures, and diathesis-stress

Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that can present in many different ways. Most often, symptoms display in a negative or positive manner. While medications are on the market to mitigate symptoms, the optimal treatment method couples both pharmaceutical and psychiatric rehabilitation. The Patient Outcomes Research Team, commonly called PORT, has issued treatment recommendations for Schizophrenia. The first publication, issued in 1998, has offered compiled research in the realm of Schizophrenia. The following paper will discuss the treatment options for Schizophrenia to reflect the 2003 guidelines of the PORT publication.

Treatment- There are many beneficial treatment methods for schizophrenia. Of the most common treatment methods is the antipsychotic drug therapy. “A study done in 2013 of 43,049 patients, they compared the effectiveness and tolerance of fifteen antipsychotic drugs. The study found that all fifteen antipsychotic drugs were significantly more effective than placebos.” (Cetin, 2015, p.97) It has also been a well-known fact that those diagnosed with schizophrenia and not taking any antipsychotic medications experience the symptoms of hallucination and delusions which are unable to be treated through therapy alone. This is why it is important that patients with schizophrenia not only use therapeutic treatment but antipsychotic medications as well. Another form of therapy that is important for schizophrenics is psychotherapy. Psychotherapy such as cognitive-behavior therapy can be beneficial because it provides the patient with education about the causes of their hallucinations, helps the patient learn when and how to expect their own symptoms and how to prepare for them, how to interpret those hallucinations, and then how to cope with the hallucinations and delusions with techniques such as breathing and relaxation techniques. This type of therapy helps the patient gain better control of their hallucinations and delusions. “Cognitive behavioral therapy, as a specific treatment in addition to routine pharmacological and supportive care, impacts acute and chronic positive and

Treatment for schizophrenia usually includes a combination of medication and therapy. Medications are most commonly prescribed are antipsychotics. These affect the release of neurotransmitters in the brain such as dopamine and serotonin, which are thought to control symptoms of schizophrenia (Mayo Clinic Staff). Medications can often cause side effects that render patients unwilling to continue taking them. In these cases, treatment has

Evidence comes from the fact that amphetamines increase the amounts of dopamine large doses of amphetamines given to people with no history of the disorder produced behaviour which is very similar to paranoid schizophrenia. Small doses given to people already suffering from the disorder tend to worsen their symptoms. L-dopa is a drug used to treat Parkinson 's disease it acts by increasing dopamine levels; it can also produce symptoms of schizophrenia in previously unaffected individuals, although not all patients developed these side effects. Main antipsychotic drugs such as Phenothiazine’s block the dopamine receptor cells and reduce symptoms

Since Hollywood movies have depicted electroshock therapy the public eye has had a mostly negative attitude towards it, but what if I told you that attitude is not necessarily accurate. Although electroshock therapy is seen as archaic and barbaric by most, it may surprise all that it is in modern use and very effective in comparison to other treatment options. When used under the right circumstances, ECT can have better results than many of the mainstream remedies for patients with depression, acute mania, and schizophrenia.