Antipsykottisissa

Antipsykottisissa, known in English as antipsychotics, are a class of medications primarily used to manage psychosis, including delusions and hallucinations. They are also employed to treat mania and agitation, and sometimes as adjunctive therapy for depression and anxiety. The exact mechanisms of action vary between different antipsychotic drugs, but they generally involve modulating the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly dopamine and serotonin.

Antipsychotics are broadly categorized into first-generation (typical) and second-generation (atypical) medications. First-generation antipsychotics, developed earlier, primarily target dopamine D2 receptors. While effective for positive symptoms of psychosis, they are more prone to causing motor side effects, such as parkinsonism and tardive dyskinesia. Second-generation antipsychotics, introduced later, also affect serotonin receptors in addition to dopamine receptors. They are often considered to have a lower risk of motor side effects but may be associated with metabolic changes like weight gain, increased cholesterol, and diabetes.

Common conditions treated with antipsychotics include schizophrenia, bipolar disorder (particularly during manic episodes), and severe depression with psychotic features. They can also be used for agitation and psychosis associated with neurological conditions like dementia, though their use in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis carries a warning due to increased mortality risk. The choice of antipsychotic, dosage, and duration of treatment are determined by individual patient factors, symptom severity, and potential side effects. Regular monitoring by healthcare professionals is crucial to manage treatment efficacy and adverse effects.