Somatic Treatment for Schizophrenia
Antipsychotic medications were first introduced by two French researchers
in 1952. Prior to that time there were no effective treatments for schizophrenia.
The first antipsychotic medication was chlorpromazine (thorazine). It was
found to control the most serious Positive Symptoms of schizophrenia. Antipsychotic
medications are often called major tranquilizers, but they do vary on the
degree to which the client feels sedated.
Antipsychotic medications are effective in controlling psychotic symptoms
for the major of people with schizophrenia, however, they have a number
of very serious side effects that can be both uncomfortable and even dangerous.
Side effects need to be monitored and managed effectively. Many consumers
will discontinue their medication in order to avoid the side effects, and
this can result in exacerbation of their symptoms and often rehospitalization.
The
most common side effects are:
Tardive Dyskinesia: This is abnormal involuntary movement, often of
the mouth and tongue. Tardive dyskinesia can become permanent.
Anticholinergic effects: These include dry mouth, tachycardia (rapid
heartbeat), blurry vision, constipation.
Extrapyramidal effects: Refers to a number of disorders related to motor control, including:
Traditonal Antipsychotic medications include:
The new atypical antipsychotic medications used for treatment-refractory
(those not responding to traditional drugs) consumers are:
(These medications also have fewer extrapyramidal effects)