...This paper will cover topics that may are sometimes glossed over in our society. Psychosis, depression, anxiety, and debilitating mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, Parkinson’s disease and other mental disorders will be mentioned along with treatments and causes. The history of pseudo-science and the origins of antipsychotics will be included as well. What are antipsychotics? Antipsychotics are a type of medication that is prescribed for mental health problems due to chemical imbalances or emotional problems such as depression and anxiety. Neuroleptics is another term for antipsychotics and is more politically correct because is means ‘seizing hold of the nerves’ which describes the purpose of the word more accurately....
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...atypical and typical antipsychotic drugs. The typical drugs examined were Haloperidol and Thioridazine and the atypical, newer drugs were clozapine, olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone. The study was divided between two cohorts- those on Tennessee Medicaid who were on antipsychotic drugs and the other cohort consisted of qualified nonusers of antipsychotic drugs but held an identical psychiatric record (Ray et al., 2009). The disease examined was a type of ventricular tachyarrhythmia called Torsades de pointes (TdP) in those who took atypical and typical antipsychotic drugs (Ray et al., 2009). Ventricular tachyarrhythmia is noted by an extended QT interval, which is the period where the heart recharges itself through a process called repolarization (Mayo Clinic, 2015). The extended QT interval in TdP involves both ventricles beating at a rapid rate, which results in less blood to the brain (Mayo Clinic, 2015). If there is a prolonged lack of blood to the brain, this can result in ischemia, hypoxia and death....
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...Do atypical antipsychotics cause sexual dysfunction??? INTRODUCTON I have chosen to focus on atypical antipsychotics and sexual dysfunction for my summative assignment as I am interested in this topic. I will explain the process of gathering information and relevant to my topic. I will then discuss the strengths and limitations of four chosen articles and explain its implication to practice. RATIONALE While on my Common foundation programme in an acute ward I attended a ward round for different patients. For confidentiality reasons the patients name is withheld to respects patient’s right to confidentiality (NMC, 2009). One of the service users raised a concern regarding his medication, when asked for the reasons, he expressed that the medication was affecting his sex life. I found this to be an interesting topic to explore evidence on sexual dysfunction as one of the side effects of antipsychotic. The American Psychiatric Association (1997) describes sexual dysfunction as “the inability to maintain erection to complete intercourse or sexual activity”. Sexual dysfunction can cause extreme difficulties in relationship and can lead to low self-esteem and depression (Kell & Dinsmore, 2008). The Oxford Dictionary for Nurses (2008) describes atypical antipsychotics as drugs that are used to treat severe mental disorders (psychoses) including schizophrenia, mania and anxiety in small dosages. SEARCH STRATEGY To find the information relevant for my topic I will use key...
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...Overview Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a very complex disorder and for many individuals suffering from ADHD, their daily struggle with this disorder can be very frustrating and debilitating at times. Throughout the years, it has been known that genetics has a strong link to the cause ADHD as well as the psychotropics being prescribed by Mental Health Professionals to assist in the management of ADHD. However, data supports in the past decade there has been an explosion with ADHD individuals, specifically children being treated by the pharmacological modality rather than the behavioral modification or family psychotherapy. The old analogy of take two pills and call your doctor in the morning is becoming the norm in today’s society. This Reflective Paper will provide a multi-systemic approach which addresses the following topics: (1) the genetic link to ADHD, (2) population trends of psychotropic use, (3) concerns for the safety and efficacy of children have risen due to the lack of studies. The Genetic Link to ADHD Several decades of study has shown Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) to be a neurobiological disorder. Research has shown other contributing causes of ADHD can be caused by environmental (home, school etc.), brain dysfunction and toxins found in food additives, yet strong supporting data can be found in genetic studies too. Researchers have concluded the...
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...The dopamine hypothesis states that an excess of/ sensitivity to dopamine leads to positive symptoms of schizophrenia. There are two antipsychotics used to decrease the effect of dopamine: Typical antipsychotics (1st generation drugs) and Atypical antipsychotics (2nd generation drugs).1st generation drugs reduce the effect of dopamine and therefore mainly reduce positive symptoms of schizophrenia. Typical antipsychotics, such as chlorpromazine, are dopamine antagonists and work by binding to dopamine receptors, in particular D2, in the synapses thus preventing dopamine itself from binding to receptors and therefore blocking their action. As a result positive symptoms of schizophrenia are reduced. 2nd generation drugs are a newer generation of antipsychotics, such as clozapine, and work by attaching to specific D2 dopamine receptors only and serotonin. They only temporarily occupy the D2 dopamine receptors and then rapidly dissociate to allow normal dopamine transmission. The use of drugs for treating SOS is not a long term cure and if the drugs are stopped the symptoms of schizophrenia may come back. This can lead to the ‘revolving door syndrome’ where a SOS would leave the institution because their condition has improved and as a result they stop taking the drugs. But then their symptoms would return and the SOS would have to be re-admitted to the institution often with worsened symptoms. This can result in the SOS needing to take a higher dose of drugs as if they suddenly...
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...I attended class at the downriver campus on Monday, October 8th 2012 to attend a lecture by Kathleen Brazzle. Ms. Brazzle lectured about medications and different psychological conditions. She spoke of both generic and first tier medications while describing different conditions such as: psychosis, delusions, thought disorders, depression and hallucination. Psychosis is a symptom of feature of mental illness typically characterized by radical changes in personality, impaired functioning and a distorted or non-existent sense of objective reality. The person suffering from psychosis typically has a loss of contact with reality; the condition of psychosis causes them to not see things realistically and thus distorting real life. The beliefs for them are not based on life or reality. They often struggle to think clearly and often lack insight about things. A person suffering from psychosis often does not realize that anything is wrong with them or simply disbelieves the truth about reality. Delusions are a false, fixed, odd or unusual belief that the person has. There are different types of delusions: delusions of paranoia, grandiose delusions, somatic delusions and psychotic delusions. Delusions are typically classified in two categories as primary and secondary. Hallucinations are a problem with sensory perception with the absence of an outside stimulus. Often hallucinations can be visual or auditory. Example of a visual hallucination would be seeing a person or...
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...and treat schizophrenia single-handedly. When treating schizophrenia biologically, drug therapies are the most commonly used type of therapies. Within drug therapies, antipsychotics are the drugs which are the most appropriate for treating the disorder, as they help the patient gain a better subjective feeling of wellbeing and allow them to function within society adequately. Antipsychotics can come in typical forms, which includes drugs such as chlorpromazine and haloperidol. These drugs, work on the assumption that schizophrenia is caused by too much of the neurotransmitter (a chemical messenger within the brain) dopamine. The way in which they act is by binding too, but not stimulating the dopamine receptors (notably the D2 receptors on the receiving end of the synapse). This means that the dopamine itself cannot bind to the receptor, as it is already occupied and so a lower level of dopamine enters the synapse. This lowers the overall levels of dopamine in the brain, combatting the positive symptoms associated with it such as hallucinations. Support for the effectiveness of these drugs has come from studying the relapse rates of people who take them alongside those who are taking a placebo, a fake drug. Davis et al (1980) looked at the results of 28 studies regarding relapse rates between typical antipsychotics and placebos, and found that people on a placebo were 55% more likely...
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...Schizophrenia * * * Introduction In the following paper I go in depth explaining what schizophrenia is. I discuss how you can live with schizophrenia and its challenges. There are three different types of treatments that is discussed in the reading such as hospitalizations, medications and psychotherapy treatment. Thesis Statement Due to society individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia often are told they are not able to neither live independently nor take care of themselves. What is schizophrenia? Schizophrenia is a chronic, severe, and disabling brain disorder that has affected people throughout history. Individuals that are diagnosed with schizophrenia have mental disorders that have in common such symptoms as hallucinations, delusions, blunted emotions, disordered thinking, and a withdrawal from reality. ("Schizophrenia (psychology) | Encyclopedia Britannica," 2014) Individuals with schizophrenia may not make any sense when they talk. They may sit for a considerable length of time without moving or talking. At times individuals with schizophrenia appear to be flawlessly fine until they discuss what they are truly thinking. Schizophrenia is the single largest cause of admissions to mental hospitals and accounts for an even larger proportion of the permanent populations of such institutions. Causes No single reason for schizophrenia has been secured or even recognized; be that as it may, there is solid proof that a blend of hereditary and natural components...
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...seemed to have slight disapproval and was always over bearing and over protective of her and her siblings; which could very well be another root contributor to the young woman’s schizophrenic tendencies (Cook). The psychologists from each model would perhaps first suggest institutional care of the young woman for observation as well as for the safety of the young woman and her family members as well. With the young woman’s past behaviors, antipsychotic drugs may be recommended as antipsychotics reduce psychotic symptoms by blocking off the activity of dopamine. Although the success rate of antipsychotics is in the upper sixty percentile, therefore in addition to an antipsychotic, psychotherapy may be necessary. With all of this being said to her family members the psychologists also explained the side effects and concerns when it comes to taking antipsychotics, as movement disorders or involuntary jerking movements of the limbs are prominent side effects of drugs in this category. As this woman is so young, the time frame she would be on antipsychotics is a long time, and the movement disorders progress over time which taking the drug is a concern for the psychologists and the family members making the decisions. There’s many aspects to consider in this young woman’s case, each theoretical model describes this disorder differently, therefore diagnoses of schizophrenia seems to be a timely process as the cases from each model have things to be considered. ...
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...Analyzing Psychological Disorders Rebecca Howard PSY 240 December 23, 2012 Rebecca Gazda Analyzing Psychological Disorders Psychological disorders are always being researched and new treatments are being developed. Biopsychology is an important field because understanding the processes that occur in the body can lead to more effective drugs and relief for many people suffering from psychological disorders. Schizophrenia, anorexia nervosa, and anxiety are all psychological disorders that psychologists must deal with on a regular basis. Understanding these disorders is important for the health and well-being of patients. Part A: Schizophrenia is a psychiatric disorder that has many complex symptoms, most of which can also be associated with other disorders (Pinel, 2011). Schizophrenia affects many parts of the brain, including the forebrain and hindbrain. The cingulated gyrus, amygdale, and hippocampus are also affected. These areas are all part of the limbic system. It is believed that schizophrenia occurs when functional circuits of the brain are disturbed, which affects the frontal lobe, temporal lobe, and thalamus (Lundbeck Institute, 2011). With such a large area of the brain being affected by this psychiatric disorder, it brings a host of symptoms. These symptoms are divided into two different groups, positive and negative symptoms. Positive symptoms are ones that cause an excess of normal function, and negative symptoms cause a decrease of normal function. Separating...
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...Over the past several decades, highly skilled professionals have attempted to address several issues regarding antipsychotic drugs used to treat school-aged children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The distribution of these ADHD medications have steadily increased over the years, which has, on one hand, presented a possible solution to the escalating diagnosis of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, and on the latter, brought into question the ethics and effectiveness of these medications. Health officials, parents, and the children themselves struggle to come to an agreement when deciding whether or not medication is the best solution. The Debate Over Medicating Children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder In the spring of 2004, Jacqueline A. Sparks, an associate professor of family therapy at the University of Rhode Island, and Barry L. Duncan, a cofounder of the Institute for the Study of Therapeutic Change, investigated the ethics and effectiveness behind the distribution of ADHD medications as a modern treatment method for children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Even though, “appropriate identification and treatment of symptoms for psychiatric illnesses (such as ADHD) during childhood and adolescence is critical” (ScienceDaily). Sparks and Duncan note that, “ADHD is arguably the most controversial topic in recent mental health history. The ADHD diagnosis is not defined by a biological marker (Leo & Cohen, 33), but is...
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...Vxxxx Bxxxxxx Dr. Taylor PSY 100 9 March 2010 An Inside Look at Schizophrenia “If depression is the disabling but common cold of psychological disorders, chronic schizophrenia is the cancer” (Myers). Today, there are many abnormal disorders that have become better understood; one of which being schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a severe, chronic, disabling brain disease that almost two million Americans will suffer from in a given year. Although schizophrenia may appear to be a dysfunctional disorder, there is more to this disease that meets the eyes. Most likely to develop earlier, more severely, and more often in men, schizophrenia affects both the male and female populations, and “it knows no boundaries” (Myers). Symptoms begin to arise in the late teens to early twenties for men, and in the twenties to early thirties for women. Although only one percent of the population will develop such a chronic disorder in their lifetime, schizophrenia should not be pushed aside. Found in many different individuals, schizophrenia’s symptoms and long-lasting pattern often results in a high degree of disability. People with schizophrenia have various symptoms that vary for each individual; “hallucinations of sound, sight, smell, taste, or touch may occur” (Berkow), the most common being hearing voices. People with schizophrenia tend to hear internal voices that can’t be heard by others;...
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...Schizophrenia is a very serious and chronic mental illness which falls into the category of “psychotic disorders”. It is characterized by a variety of debilitating experiences which may include hearing voices that others do not hear, believing that people are controlling your thoughts, reading your mind, or plotting to harm you. Schizophrenia is a life-long illness and, although it can be treated with medication and talk-therapy, symptoms remain, to some extent, throughout a person’s life. Researchers, however, are continually developing new treatment methods and medications which are helping those with schizophrenia improve the quality of their lives. Symptoms of schizophrenia most often emerge in men in their late teens and early 20’s and in women in their mid-20’s to early 30’s. They rarely occur after the age of 45 and very rarely before puberty. Early signs can include a change in friends or the beginnings of isolation from all friends, a drop in grades, a change in sleeping habits. This period is referred to as the “prodramal” period. It is often difficult to diagnose a person in their teens as the onset symptoms closely mirror “typical” teen angst. The differentiating features can include unorganized thought patterns, responding to internal and external stimuli, and disorders of movement. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR), to be diagnosed with schizophrenia, three criteria must be met: 1) Characteristic...
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...2.5 million Americans; one of every ten in which commits suicide according to Nancy Andreasen. The article states that some scientist believes that the earlier the treatment starts the better the prognosis. One Yale University study by psychiatrist Thomas McGlashan was putting at risk patients as young as 12 on antipsychotic medications before they showed clear signs of the mental illness. Some scientist believes that the experiment will show that drugs can head off the worst symptoms. Early treatments remain controversial because there is no sure way to tell who are more at risk. So the scientist could possible give someone who is not at risk an unnecessary dosage of antipsychotic medication which has a range of side effects that include but are not limited to weight gain, drowsiness, intense dreams or nightmares and seizures. According to February 25, 2009 study in New England Journal of Medicine having parents with schizophrenia increases the chances of the child obtaining the illness; stating that if both parents have schizophrenia it increases the child’s chances to 50 percent. Scientist plan to prevent the disease by having at risk patients take antipsychotic medication. As of right now they are not certain on the long term dangers of putting such patients on the medication and when, if ever they will be able to stop. Some scientists already believe that they are zeroing in on genes associated with schizophrenia. Psychiatrist Barbara Cornblatt, M.D., director of high...
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...Culture and Disease Schizophrenia has many different effects on a person’s ability to lead a normal life. This disease is found in all cultures throughout the world. Both genders are equally affected. However not all individuals with schizophrenia obtain treatment, in spite of the severity of the disorder. Introduction Schizophrenia is a severe brain disease that interferes with normal brain and mental function-it can trigger hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia. Without treatment, schizophrenia affects the ability to think clearly and interact appropriately with other people. There are three different kinds of symptoms: Positive Symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions and racing thoughts, negative symptoms such as apathy, lack of emotion, poor or nonexistent social functioning or inability to respond to different situations and cognitive symptoms which mainly include disorganized thoughts, difficulty concentrating and/or following instructions( medsinfo). Genetic Factors The symptoms of schizophrenia are very similar across many different cultures however the members of racial/ethnic minority groups are less likely to access mental health service. Caucasians show a higher rate of schizophrenia diagnosis because they access mental health services and are evaluated (Anglin para1). In the Caucasian population the genetic traits are what make this population vulnerable to the disease of schizophrenia. Genes have an effect on the external and internal factors that...
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