Mental health articles

Biological interventions for schizophrenia Schizophrenia is a type of psychotic disorder. A person with a psychotic disorder loses some contact with reality.When this happens antipsychotic medication (also known as neuroleptics) can be prescribed to help. Antipsychotic medication can reduce or alleviate symptoms (voices, irrational beliefs and delusions) in up to 70 per cent of peoplewho suffer from a psychotic illness (schizophrenia, manic depression). Unlike tranquillizers, antipsychotics are not addictive – that is, people do not develop a craving for them. They differ in their sedative and antipsychotic properties and side effects.

In recent years newer antipsychotics have come on the market such as
risperidone and olanzapine. These tend to produce fewer side effects than
older drugs.
Clozapine (brand name: Clozaril) is used for people with treatment-
resistant schizophrenia. It requires a monthly blood test to monitor
the functioning of the immune system (white blood cells). Otherwise the
person may become vulnerable to infection.
Other antipsychotics include haloperidol (brand name: Serenace),
chlorpromazine (brand name: Largactil) and trifluoperazine (brand name:
Stelazine).

Tags: schizophrenia