Question 1

First-generation antipsychotic drugs have all of the following in common EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

First-generation antipsychotics are indeed known for their potential to cause extrapyramidal side effects (A), are effective against positive symptoms of schizophrenia (C), and are typically not the first choice due to their side effect profile, with second-generation antipsychotics often preferred (D). The statement that they are often given in institutional settings for close monitoring of side effects (B) does not distinguish them uniquely from other antipsychotic drugs, as monitoring for side effects is a general practice for all antipsychotics, not just first-generation.

Question 2

Which of these transformed the treatment of schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Antipsychotic medications have significantly transformed the treatment of schizophrenia by effectively managing its symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions, thus improving the quality of life for many patients.

Question 3

A woman has been treated with chlorpromazine for several years. Lately she seems to be chewing gum all the time and her arms are always in motion. She has begun to display twitching facial tics. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

The symptoms described, such as chewing gum all the time, arms always in motion, and twitching facial tics, are indicative of tardive dyskinesia. Tardive dyskinesia is a side effect of long-term use of antipsychotic medications, like chlorpromazine, characterized by involuntary, repetitive body movements.

Question 4

The neuroleptic side effect marked by muscle rigidity, fever, altered consciousness, and autonomic dysfunction is called:

Accepted Answer

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is characterized by muscle rigidity, fever, altered consciousness, and autonomic dysfunction, and is associated with the use of neuroleptic (antipsychotic) medications.

Question 5

Antipsychotic drugs have all the following in common EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Antipsychotic drugs primarily work by altering the effect of neurotransmitters in the brain to treat symptoms of conditions like schizophrenia. They do not inherently increase the risk of future substance abuse and chemical dependency. This risk is more associated with substances that have a high potential for addiction, not typically antipsychotic medications.

Question 6

A person who is experiencing a potentially fatal reaction to an antipsychotic drug involving muscle rigidity and autonomic nervous system dysfunction is displaying:

Accepted Answer

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a life-threatening reaction to antipsychotic drugs characterized by muscle rigidity and autonomic dysfunction, among other symptoms.

Question 7

Based on current research, which statement about the relationship between antipsychotic medications and side effects is NOT true?

Accepted Answer

The statement that the benefits of taking antipsychotic medications always outweigh the costs of the side effects they produce is not universally true and depends on individual circumstances, the specific medication, and the severity of side effects experienced.

Question 8

The main difference between first-generation and second-generation antipsychotic drugs is:

Accepted Answer

First-generation antipsychotics are more likely to produce extrapyramidal symptoms, which resemble neurological disorders, compared to second-generation antipsychotics.

Question 9

If you were working with a patient who displayed muscle tremors and rigidity, facial tics, and tardive dyskinesia, you would suspect that the person was receiving:

Accepted Answer

These symptoms are side effects associated with long-term use of antipsychotic drugs, which are often prescribed for conditions like schizophrenia. Tardive dyskinesia and muscle rigidity are particularly indicative of antipsychotic medication side effects.

Question 10

The term neuroleptic is applied to drugs that:

Accepted Answer

Neuroleptic drugs, also known as antipsychotics, are primarily used to manage psychosis, including delusions, hallucinations, or disordered thought. However, a characteristic side effect of these drugs is their tendency to produce symptoms of neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's disease-like symptoms, due to their action on the dopamine system in the brain. They do not cure psychosis or schizophrenia but manage symptoms, and they are not primarily used for depression.

Question 11

If a patient developed extrapyramidal side effects after taking antipsychotic medication for several months, you would expect to see the patient showing primarily _____ dysfunction.

Accepted Answer

Extrapyramidal side effects are primarily related to motor dysfunction, as they involve the extrapyramidal system which regulates posture and muscle tone. These side effects can include symptoms like tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia, and dystonia, all of which are motor-related issues.

Question 12

If a person with schizophrenia were making involuntary ticlike movements of the tongue, mouth, face, or whole body, smacking the lips, and making sucking and chewing movements, one would suspect the patient:

Accepted Answer

These symptoms are indicative of tardive dyskinesia, a side effect that can occur after long-term use of antipsychotic medications.

Question 13

Which drug has antipsychotic properties?

Accepted Answer

Haloperidol is an antipsychotic medication used to treat schizophrenia and acute psychotic states. It works by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain, which helps reduce symptoms of psychosis such as hallucinations and delusions.

Question 14

One of the unwanted and later side effects of antipsychotic medications is:

Accepted Answer

Tardive dyskinesia is a known potential side effect of long-term use of antipsychotic medications, characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements, such as grimacing and eye blinking.

Question 15

In one study (Sampath et al., 1992), when antipsychotic medications of people with chronic schizophrenia were changed to placebos:

Accepted Answer

Most people with chronic schizophrenia relapsed within a year after their antipsychotic medications were changed to placebos, indicating the importance of continued medication for managing symptoms of schizophrenia.

Question 16

For the past 9 months, Joan has been taking a conventional antipsychotic drug to treat symptoms associated with her diagnosis of schizophrenia. Although she has fewer auditory hallucinations, Joan now experiences muscle tremors and rigidity to the point where she can no longer dress herself. It is likely that she is experiencing:

Accepted Answer

Joan's symptoms of muscle tremors and rigidity are characteristic of Parkinsonian symptoms, which are common side effects of conventional antipsychotic drugs due to their dopamine-blocking effects.

Question 17

Which statement is accurate advice that you could give someone thinking about taking traditional antipsychotic medication for schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Traditional antipsychotic medications are known for their effectiveness in treating schizophrenia, particularly the positive symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations. However, they are also notorious for their significant side effects, including but not limited to tardive dyskinesia, parkinsonism, and akathisia.

Question 18

If one could use only a single treatment for schizophrenia and wanted the MOST effective treatment, one should choose:

Accepted Answer

Antipsychotic drugs are considered the most effective treatment for schizophrenia, as they directly target and can help manage the symptoms of the disorder, such as hallucinations and delusions.

Question 19

The symptom of schizophrenia most likely to be relieved by antipsychotic drugs is:

Accepted Answer

Antipsychotic drugs are most effective at treating the positive symptoms of schizophrenia, such as delusions and hallucinations, rather than negative symptoms like flat affect, lack of speech, or lack of purpose.

Question 20

As a psychiatrist, you prescribe a patient with schizophrenia a second-generation antipsychotic medication. What patient education, regarding this medicine, should you provide?

Accepted Answer

Second-generation antipsychotics should be continued even after symptoms improve to prevent relapse and maintain stability.

Quiz 15: Treatments for Schizophrenia and Other Severe Mental Disorders