Émile has been diagnosed with schizophrenia - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 5 - 2021 - Paper 2

One biological treatment that Émile’s psychiatrist could consider is the use of antipsychotic medication, particularly atypical antipsychotics such as risperidone.

Antipsychotic medications work primarily by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain, which is particularly beneficial for individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia. This action is crucial since elevated dopamine levels are often associated with the symptoms of schizophrenia, including hallucinations and delusions.

In Émile’s case, taking a medication like risperidone may help reduce her perceptual disturbances, such as seeing ghosts and the belief that the government is spying on her. Typically, these medications are administered either in tablet form or as a liquid, which allows for flexibility depending on Émile’s willingness to take her medication. Given that she has been resistant to biological treatments in the past, it would be essential for the psychiatrist to ensure that she understands the benefits of the medication and feels comfortable with the treatment plan to minimize her fears about control.

Atypical antipsychotics like risperidone are often effective in managing both positive symptoms (like hallucinations) and negative symptoms (like emotional dullness) of schizophrenia. It usually takes a couple of weeks for the medication to show its effects. Therefore, if Émile does not notice any improvement after a specified trial period, the psychiatrist might consider adjusting her dosage or prescribing an alternative antipsychotic that may be more effective for her.

This approach addresses both her current symptoms and her underlying fears about treatment, making the psychiatrist's role crucial in guiding her through the process.