Atypical Antipsychotics.A Brief Overview. Dr. Vipin

I would recommend atypical antipsychotic drugs such as clozapine because they “appear to be more effective than conventional drugs” (Comer, 2015).

Antipsychotics are medications that physicians use to treat psychotic disorders such as Schizophrenia, Delusional disorder, Paraphrenia, and Substance-induced psychotic disorders. These disorders are characterised by the patient’s inability to make good judgments, think with a clear head, communicate effectively, relate to society, and understand reality. Antipsychotic drugs are also useful in the treatment of bipolar conditions that involve extreme cases of manic behaviour. Examples of these drugs include Thorazine and Trilafon. These drugs belong to a drug class called phenothiazines. They work by changing the actions of chemicals in the brain. The drugs can be beneficial, however, Steen et al. (2014) argue that the medicines have several harmful effects such as changes

In 1955, antipsychotic medications were introduced to help mental disorders. These medications are usually taken orally in which help relieve symptoms for periods of days. The misuse or abuse of the medications are low. There are three generations of antipsychotic medications. The first generation is known for reducing hallucinations and delusions, but not affecting problems like disorientation or depression. An example would be chlorpromazine, brand name being Thorazine. Some negative side effects of taking the first generation drugs are Parkinson’s-like symptoms, tardive dyskinesia, and weight gain. Next, the second generation drugs minimized the outcome of the individual getting Parkinson’s-like symptoms. An example of this generation would be Clozaril. “A unique feature of Clozaril is the 1 to 2 percent chance of developing a potentially lethal blood disease called agranulocytosis” (Levinthal 282). This disease decreases white blood cells and affects the immune system. If early signs of this disease start to appear the patient will stop taking Clozaril and recover. Lastly, the third generation has shown to be the most effective on schizophrenia. Abilify is an example of this generation drug. It does not have a risk of Parkinson’s, tardive dyskinesia, or diabetes. Abilify blocks specific serotonin receptors in which prevents negative side effects from happening. These different

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

A comparison between schizophrenia and bipolar spectrum disorder focusing on history, etiology, treatment, and symptoms of each disease will introduce the concept of the Continuum Disease Model (CDM) as a basis for further debate and discussion on the controversial designation of schizoaffective disorder (bipolar type/depressive type). The concept of a possible connection between distinct disorders is strongly disputed between many experts due to presence of manic or hypomanic episodes as a clear distinction requiring the designation of bipolar spectrum disorder as opposed to negative and positive schizophrenic symptoms; however, similarities in the disorders including etiology, presence of psychosis, and effectiveness of new atypical antipsychotic treatments may present similar neurological psychopathology. Schizoaffective disorder may present only unipolar depressive symptoms along with negative or positive schizophrenic symptoms but bipolar type will be the focus of discussion. An argument disputing the legitimacy of the CDM will be presented though the stress-diathesis model supports the designation of schizoaffective disorder in the newest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V). A deeper look at the mechanisms in the psychopharmacological drug treatments specifically focused on the atypical antipsychotics quetiapine (trade name Seroquel) and lurasidone (trade name Latuda), providing theories of their effects on brain

While the main action of typical antipsychotics is on the D2 receptor, atypical antipsychotics show enhanced activity at 5-HT receptors with a low affinity for D2 receptors (Divac et al., 2014). Atypical antipsychotics are more effective in reducing cognitive and negative symptoms and result in fewer EPS than the typical antipsychotics (Davis, Chen, & Glick, 2003). The high binding affinity

As with any disorder or sickness patients have various treatment options available to them. It’s always in the best interest of the patient to seek treatment advice from a Mental healthcare professional who has experience on schizophrenia disorder, and who can server the patient effectively. Patients who have been diagnosed with schizophrenia should look into all options available to them before choosing one treatment option in order to experience the best pathway back to a healthy life. Some of the more popular treatment options to help relive symptoms of schizophrenia have been either antipsychotic medications such as Chlorpromazine, haloperidol (haldol), perphenazine (Etafon, Trilafon), and Fluphenazine. Although medications are more common and been around for centuries other treatment options can also provide a more long-term treatment plan with positive outcomes. According to the NIMH antipsychotic medications have been around since the mid 1950’s (2014).

Recently published study revealed that dementia patients who are taking antipsychotics drugs are more on risks of death. And the risk increased as dose increased. Patients, families and their care teams deserve better to prevent and treat distressing dementia symptoms. So it better to avoid this drug in dementia patient. When treating behavior problems in dementia patients, non-medicinal strategies are often more effective; however, they require time, energy, and,

Since schizophrenia may not be a single condition and its caused are still unknown, current treatment methods are based on both clinical research and experience. These approaches are chosen on the basis of their ability to reduce the symptoms of schizophrenia and to lessen the chances that symptoms will return. Antipsychotic medications reduce the risk of future psychotic episode in-patients who have recovered from an acute episode. Even with continued drug treatment, some people who have recovered will suffer relapses. Far higher rates are seen when medication in discontinued. In most cases; it would not be accurate to say that continued drug treatment "prevents" relapses; rather it reduces their intensity and frequency. The treatment of severe psychotic symptom reappear on a lower dosage, a temporary increase in dosage may prevent a full-blown relapse. (http://nimh.nih.gov/publicat/schizoph.htm), National Institute of Mental Health

Antipsychotics are the most common form of medication that is used to help with the symptoms of schizophrenia. There are two main types of antipsychotic, traditional and new (http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/mental-health-medications/index.shtml#pub9). Traditional antipsychotics are used mainly to control hallucinations, delusions, and confusion of schizophrenia. These medications, for example chlorpromazine and haloperidol, primarily block the dopamine receptors and are very effective in treating the “positive” symptoms of schizophrenia. The newer antipsychotic medications, for example Risperdal and Zyprexa, work on both serotonin and dopamine, meaning that it can treat the “positive” and the “negative” symptoms of schizophrenia. There are many side effects that can come with taking antipsychotic medications. Mild side effects include a dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, drowsiness and dizziness. These side effects will usually disappear after a period of time (http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/schizophrenia/index.shtml). More serious side effects of antipsychotics include trouble with muscle control, muscle spasms or cramps, fidgeting or pacing, tremors and shuffling of the feet. These symptoms mimic

Also, lower propensity for causing extrapyramidal side effects. However, each atypical antipsychotic has a different chemical structure and therefore differ from drug to drug and patient to patient. Also, once the dosages are increased the side effects can also

With growing initiatives and sign of the success of psychosocial involvements for schizophrenia, the highly organized and a few integrated programs used as an aide to antipsychotics, have specified positive patient outcomes. On the basis of numerous extensive randomized controlled trials, single and multiple types of antipsychotics, or polypharmacy in combination with other psychotropic drugs, are considered useful in schizophrenia treatment. The introduction of second-generation antipsychotics has further enhanced the desired effects of these medications for schizophrenia care and reduced their unwelcome effects such as extrapyramidal adverse effects, mortality, and metabolic disorder. It is important to evaluate and comprehend the current knowledge about pharmacological and other medical treatments for schizophrenia sufferers, before exploring the new changes or enhancements needed in schizophrenia treatment and

These are more effective in treatment resistant individuals and have a better effect to alleviate negative symptoms in comparison to typical antipsychotic agents (Karandeep & Agius, 2012). Typical and atypical antipsychotic drugs difference is mainly on their capacity to cause extrapyramidal side effects (Meltzer, 2013)

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:

The case in favor of atypical antipsychotics may be strengthened once good, controlled, long term data are available in this population (Armenteros and Davies, 2006). SGAs posed a greater risk for adverse events compared with placebo. Patient-important outcomes, including health-related quality of life, social and occupational functioning, and legal involvement were rarely assessed and had insufficient strength of evidence (2012). There is need for more high quality trials and more head to head comparison between different antipsychotics, both between and within classes, and different doses to define clear parameters on the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of this pharmacotherapy for children and adolescents (Seida, Schouten, Boylan, Newton, Mousavi, Beaith, and Carrey, 2012). Druyts, Eapen, Wu, and Thorlund demonstrate that the limitations in a more in depth research is needed and they struggled due to there are no control group for comparison, uncommon disorder, and small proportion of participants (2014). Hrdlicka and Dudova found limited data on the efficacy of AAPs in the treatment of EOS; however, we found a definitive lack of efficacy data with regard to specific subtypes of schizophrenia, particularly catatonic schizophrenia. Experience from adult psychiatry shows that typical antipsychotic drugs may worsen catatonic symptoms and should be avoided if