Antipsychotic drugs (æn.ti.saɪˈkɒt.ɪk drʌɡz) are medications used to treat various psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The word "antipsychotic" is spelled with the prefix "anti-" indicating opposition, and "psychotic," relating to a person experiencing a break from reality. The IPA phonetic transcription of the word shows the vowel sounds (æ, ɔ, ɪ) and the emphasis on the first syllable (saɪ). Proper spelling of this word is important in the medical field to ensure accurate communication and treatment.
Antipsychotic drugs, also known as neuroleptic drugs, refer to a class of medications used primarily in the treatment of psychiatric disorders, particularly psychosis. These drugs are designed to alleviate symptoms associated with conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and other psychotic disorders.
Antipsychotics work by targeting and modulating various neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. They primarily act as dopamine receptor antagonists, which helps to reduce excessive dopamine activity in the brain, a common feature in psychotic illnesses. By altering the chemical balance in the brain, antipsychotic drugs aim to alleviate symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, disordered thinking, and paranoia.
There are two main categories of antipsychotic drugs: typical and atypical. Typical antipsychotics, also called first-generation antipsychotics, are older medications that primarily block dopamine receptors in the brain. These include drugs like chlorpromazine and haloperidol. Atypical antipsychotics, on the other hand, are newer medications that not only block dopamine receptors but also interact with serotonin receptors. Examples of atypical antipsychotics include risperidone, quetiapine, and olanzapine.
Antipsychotic drugs come in various forms, including oral tablets, capsules, and liquid solutions, as well as injectable formulations for acute treatment in hospital settings. Although effective in managing psychosis, antipsychotics may have side effects such as drowsiness, weight gain, extrapyramidal symptoms, and metabolic disturbances. Each antipsychotic drug has its unique profile of effectiveness, side effects, and potential risks, and their prescription and dosage are determined by healthcare professionals based on an individual's specific
The word "antipsychotic" combines two terms: "anti" and "psychotic".
The term "psychotic" comes from the Greek word "psyche", meaning "soul" or "mind". It came into English usage in the early 19th century to describe a mental condition characterized by a loss of contact with reality, hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and disturbed behavior.
The prefix "anti" originated from the Greek word "antí", meaning "against" or "opposite". It is commonly used in English to indicate opposition, elimination, or prevention of a particular thing.
Therefore, when combined, "antipsychotic" literally means "against psychosis" or "opposing psychosis", referring to drugs that are used to treat or alleviate the symptoms of psychosis.